It is withy great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah of Chazzan Benzion Miller z”l, a Boro Park legend whose masterful command of chazzanus and Jewish liturgy enchanted audiences in Boro Park and around the world from his earliest days. At 77, Chazzan Miller leaves behind a legacy of soulful tefillah and musical brilliance that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were privileged to hear him.
Born in a displaced persons camp in Fernwald, Germany, Chazzan Miller was steeped in tradition from the moment of his birth. Hailing from a distinguished family of chazzonim, his father, the noted mohel and chazzan Reb Aaron Miller, set the stage for a lifetime of musical devotion. Generations of his family had sung in the revered Bobover courts of Eastern Europe, a heritage that Chazzan Miller embraced wholeheartedly.
His illustrious chazzanus career began at the tender age of five, when he graced the stage as a child soloist alongside the legendary Moshe Koussevitzky—then the cantor at Boro Park’s Congregation Beth El, a position that Miller himself would later fill.
Guided by the tutelage of the great masters of voice and liturgy, he honed an artistry that transformed tefillah into an experience of profound emotion and meaning. His unique ability to infuse every note with deep feeling allowed listeners to not only hear, but truly feel the essence of the sacred davening.
In 1981, Chazzan Miller assumed the role of chazzan at Congregation Beth El, a position he held with dedication until the end of his life. Even as his resonant voice filled the sanctuary of Beth El, his heart remained ever tied to Bobov, the kehillah where his ancestors once led with passion and purpose.
Beyond the shul, Reb Benzion graced concert stages around the globe, playing a crucial role in preserving the rich and, at times, endangered art of chazzanus. His performances were not merely concerts; they were spiritual journeys that rekindled the timeless connection between tradition and modernity, drawing audiences into a shared experience of sacred song.
Chazzan Miller leaves behind a beautiful Torah family—a testament to a life lived in devotion and love—comprising five children, three daughters and two sons. His memory, like his music, will continue to inspire future generations.
The levayah is taking place at Shomrei Hadas Chapels. Watch the levayah live HERE.
{Matzav.com}
Incredible voice and range he had that acompanied his heart and soul.
Was an equally friendly and aproachable person.
I remember him when I grew up in Toronto. He would daven at the Bobover Kollel. WHen he would daven for the amud it was a unique treat. Besides having a beautiful voice, he carried himself with a certain chashivus. His behavior reflected that of a person whose mission it is to stand before Hashem and represent His people in prayer.