A pproximately 200 people from across the North Shore and beyond gathered on Oct. 13 for “An Evening of Music, Remembrance & Support for Israel” at
Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott.
Rabbi Michael Ragozin warmly welcomed Israel’s Deputy Consul General to New England, Liron Finklestein; Yuval Seri, Northeast Regional Director of the Jewish Agency for Israel; and Israel Symphony Orchestra tour manager and emcee Doron Alperin.
Orchestra musicians Katrina Spiegel, Michal Beck and Olga Cornev delivered a moving performance spanning classical favorites, “Fiddler on the Roof,” opera and “Hatikva,” raising support for Israeli musicians facing funding cuts and limited performance opportunities.
Twenty-eight young Israeli emissaries, or Shinshinim, who serve Jewish Communities throughout the Northeast also attended – joining local emissaries Neta Attias and Bar Hanien. Their enthusiasm, singing and dancing filled the sanctuary with warmth, joy and hope. Together, the community created an evening of remembrance, solidarity and hope, reaffirming the bonds connecting the North Shore to Israel and one another.
Partner agencies included the Consulate General of Israel to New England, CJP, JNF and the Jewish Agency for Israel. Community partners included Congregation Shirat Hayam, JCCNS, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Sinai of Marblehead, Ahavat Achim of Gloucester, Ahavat Olam of North Andover, Temple B’nai Abraham of Beverly and Chabad of the North Shore.
The organizing committee included Deborah Schutzman, Izzy Abrams, Sara Ewing and Cynthia Ittelman. Generous sponsors included David and Karen Rosenberg, Mathew and Alison Swartz, and Larry and Lori Groipen.
