Temple Beth Israel sings to Florence Katz

The second annual Florence Katz Memorial Concert honors the late temple choir director who died in 2015.

  • By Katie Johns
  • | 8:32 p.m. March 21, 2018
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Florence Katz gave Temple Beth Israel the gift of music.

As a choir director for 22 years, her leadership allowed the choir to develop into what it is today. And to honor her, the temple hosted its second annual Florence Katz Memorial Concert on March 21.

The temple’s Men’s Club and Beth Israel Women’s groups organized the event last year to honor Katz who died in 2015.

After the success of last year’s event, the groups brought it back for a second year. Under the leadership of organist and Choir Director Ann-Stephenson Moe, the temple choir performed an hour-long concert themed “Broadway to Hollywood.”

The concert opened with a rendition of “ Another Op’nin, Another Show,” from “Kiss Me Kate” and closed with “Climb Ev ‘ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music.”

Following the concert, attendees enjoyed dessert and champagne.

Temple Director Isaac Azerad, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and Stuart Sinai
Temple Director Isaac Azerad, Rabbi Stephen Sniderman and Stuart Sinai
Lynn Burton, Dee Etshtien, Gloria Feibus and Doris Kaplan
Lynn Burton, Dee Etshtien, Gloria Feibus and Doris Kaplan
Organist and Choir Director Ann Stephenson-Moe shows the crowd a photo of an early Temple Beth Israel choir.
Organist and Choir Director Ann Stephenson-Moe shows the crowd a photo of an early Temple Beth Israel choir.
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.
The Temple Choir sang songs from “Broadway to Hollywood,” including “New York, New York” and “Oklahoma.”
The Temple Choir sang songs from “Broadway to Hollywood,” including “New York, New York” and “Oklahoma.”
The Temple Choir sang songs from “Broadway to Hollywood,” including “New York, New York” and “Oklahoma.”
The Temple Choir sang songs from “Broadway to Hollywood,” including “New York, New York” and “Oklahoma.”
Murray Blueglass reads a statement from Florence Katz’s daughter Judy Vigder.
Murray Blueglass reads a statement from Florence Katz’s daughter Judy Vigder.
Hank and Charlotte Stein
Hank and Charlotte Stein
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.
The Florence Katz Memorial Concert began in 2017 to honor Katz, who was a former Temple Beth Israel choir director.

 

Latest News

Valor Commons in Manatee County is designed to include a resource center, memorials, walking trails and public event spaces.
  • February 9, 2026
Federal cash streams in for Manatee, Sarasota projects
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content