tonight is the first time my father heard me pray.

There is a story told of in the shtetl, there was a chazzan who every week

he would chant the melodies of the services, and always in tow was his old

father who would come and be there to watch his son act as the chazzan of

the shteeble.

It was one Yom Kippur before Kol Ndrei and the congregation was  all ready,

awaiting their Chazan to step up to the podium, but as the clock was ticking

the chazzan has not yet arrived. Suddenly the Chazzan comes dashing in the

door all apologetic, grabs his Tallis and kittel, and prayed the Kol Nidrei

in the most harmonious and pleasant ever sounding tone, that all stood in

awe.

After the services the Rabbi approached the Chazzan to ask what transpired,

and the reason of his lateness that led to such an outstanding performance.

The Chazzan explained, you know, my father was deaf, and yesterday my father

passed away, and tonight is the first time my father heard me pray.