Born and raised in Toronto and having grown up as a member of Beth Tzedec Congregation, Cantor Sidney Ezer is privileged to serve as one of Beth Tzedec’s Chazzanim.

Cantor Sidney received a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Religious Studies from York University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Prior to his investiture as a chazzan from the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS), Cantor Sidney taught English as a Second Language to adult immigrants in Toronto. As a result, he always enjoys learning about different cultures.

Having an Ashkenazi as well as an Iraqi Jewish background, Cantor Sidney has striven to study and share the beauty of various Jewish musical traditions with others. He has learned to chant Torah in the East European Ashkenazic, West European Ashkenazic, Baghdadi, Moroccan, Yerushalmi and Spanish Portuguese traditions. Cantor Sidney often incorporates diverse melodies in his davening. He collects coins and music from all over the world and has also amassed a wide collection of kippot from B’nai Mitzvahs and weddings over the years.

Apart from his role at Beth Tzedec, Cantor Sidney is a member of the close harmony quartet The Wizards of Ashkenaz, formed with three of his fellow graduates from JTS. They periodically perform concerts which feature various Jewish musical styles, from cantorial to Israeli pop, Yiddish, Sephardic, comedy and even Jewish Blues.

Although he has no Irish background, since his childhood Cantor Sidney has had a special affinity for the colour green and will often be seen in shul wearing his green tallitot and kippot. He is also renowned for his famous song parodies and is always called upon to create them for Purim and many other festive occasions.