By Hazzan-Rabbi Penny S. Myers
On February 12, 2009, I was tasked with calling Beny with devastating news. His former student and Buffalo’s beloved Cantor Susan Wehle, z”l, had perished on Flight 3407.
I remember the conversation vividly:
Me: Cantor Maissner?
Beny: Hello, yes, who is this?
Me: My name is Penny Myers from Buffalo, and I’m phoning you with the unfortunate news that your former student, Susan Wehle, was one of the victims of Flight 3407 that crashed late last night.
Beny: Vhat? I can’t hear you, I don’t understand… there were Israelis on board too?
Me: Yes.
(Long pause)
Beny: I’m very busy, and I don’t know if I can come for the funeral. Vhen is it?
Me: I don’t know yet, I was just asked to inform you…
(He cuts me off)
Beny: I don’t know vhen I can come… Sveetheart, so vhen are you going to come study vith me?
From that moment on, Beny became more than my mentor, he became my good friend and a part of my family. What started with a tragic phone call unfolded into years of study, friendship and deep spiritual growth.
Cantor Benjamin “Beny” Maissner was born in Israel on May 4, 1944, to parents whose families originated from Germany and Austria. Beny passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on Saturday July 19th 2025 , 23 Tammuz 5785.
From a young age, Beny’s musical talent shone brightly. His musicianship was no coincidence as his uncle, Israel Alter, a pillar in the Cantorial world, served as the Oberkantor of Hannover. Talk about yichus!
At 18, Beny served in the IDF. With immense pride he’d speak about his unit’s establishing Kibbutz Ma’Aleh Gilboa near Jordan. The photos he shared from those days depicted his profound for love for Israel; memories he held with enduring pride.
After the IDF, Beny moved to the US to pursue his passion for sacred music. He attended tHebrew Union College. His thirst for musical knowledge led him to Temple University, earning a master’s degree in music history, voice, and performance.
Beny was always a man on a mission. Whether he was preparing lectures, concerts, recordings, composing, or mentoring the next generation of cantors including Cantor Susan Wehle, z”l and myself, his days were full. He was compelled by passion and purpose and that energy brought into fruition gifts to the Cantorial and Jewish world.
One of Beny’s most meaningful projects was revitalizing the European Jewish musical tradition in all its richness. He devoted himself to preserving and sharing this legacy as a bridge between generations and cultures. Beny remastered the recordings of his uncle, Cantor Israel Alter, onto CD then generously donated the original recordings to the European Center for Jewish Music in Hannover, ensuring they would be safeguarded for posterity.
He was an ardent ambassador of healing through music. His efforts towards reconciliation between Jews and German Christians were recognized in the most profound way. He was awarded the Order of Merit Cross of Germany, the highest civilian honor.
Our community was fortunate to hear him in many concerts with Cantors Irwin Gelman, David Goldstein, Mark Horowitz, Audrey Kaufman (Toronto) Barbara Ostfeld, David Rosen (Toronto) Susan Goldberg Schwartz, myself and so many more!
After serving Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto for 41 years, he retired in 2020.
Beny was my rebbe and inspired me to not only be a better Hazzan, but more importantly, to be a better Jew.
I miss him dearly.
May his memory be for blessing.
Hazzan-Rabbi Penny S. Myers leads Kehillat Chesed of WNY and Southern Tier.
