I have frequented the Great Synagogue over many years and on many occasions.
I usually walk from Kiriyat Moshe (about 45 minutes walk) sun or rain, hot or cold. When ever I am in Jerusalem my wife already knows, that even if we are staying in Ramot I will walk all the way to hear his wonderful Chazonuss and Dovening.
When listening to Naftali it's like having all the Chazanim under one roof.
His ability to adapt his voice be it with great power or with legato sweetness, and of course the famous intricate coloraturas and his falsettos, there is no Cantor in the world who can do that.
His ability to modulate and integrate complicated yet beautiful lines of music while concentrating on the spiritual responsibility of leading the congregation and finding the right music to interpret the holy texts is second to none.
There is no Chazen in the world that comes to the Great Synagogue and doesn't at a number of points of the service, think to himself, wow, how did he do that! This is from speaking to other Cantors not just my own view.
His interpretation often makes the Chutsnikim look left on their Siddur to the English / French translation, to understand why Naftali expressed a particular part of the Dovening in a special way. And more often than not, after reading the translation the congregant smiles with understanding.
There are those congregants who are not familiar with the Siddur or texts and are blown away by the beauty and sheer size of Naftali's voice. No-one to date has the power in their voice to fill the Great Synagogue, in fact most Chazonim sound like they could do with a mic! As is so often found at concerts. In Shul particularly the Great Synagogue the sound sorts out the men from the boys
Humility is such an important characteristic for a leader, and it is so apparent with Naftali. He could be such a snob if he wanted, but he has patience and time for all his congregants their problems and is always found to be helping people with their Tzoress
The Great Synagogue is wise to look after their strongest asset, which is with out doubt Cantor Naftali Herstik.
Since I have been talking about Naftali I should just say that no greatness is taken from the wonderful choir and conductor Eli and of course the musical genius who composes arranges Raymond..
Naftali Herstik continues to be one of the best Cantors we are privileged to have today.
Furthermore the enourmous repertoire one hears from the Choir and Naftali is once again second to none.
Oh and by the way the Synagogue is nearly always packed with hundreds of congregants and not only tourists.
Refuah Sheleyma to Naftali.
can someone translate this to Hebrew?
