"Let There Always Be Mom" - Victory Concert!
"Let There Always Be Mom" - Victory Concert!
An extraordinary gift was presented to art lovers by Rita Kagan, an inspired organizer and president of the charitable organization New American Association for Culture and Education.
The warm and solemn atmosphere of the Bay Parkway Synagogue was filled with music imbued with light, faith, and unity. An international ensemble performed on stage, and it was truly extraordinarily beautiful, touching, and symbolic.
The concert opened with the heartfelt words, "Come back home." Thus began the performance of professional singers, produced by Rita Kagan and artistic director Itzhak Khaimov.
"When the cantors' voices ring out, so pure and sublime, one involuntarily yearns to turn to the Almighty. After all, turning to one's roots helps preserve that Jewish spark that glimmers within each of us," Rita Kagan says more than once.
Ashkelon Deputy Mayor Sofia Beilina addressed the audience with a video greeting. The city, located just four miles from the Gaza Strip, knows the price of hardship.
As always, the international vocal ensemble "Haverim" gave a brilliant performance. The audience didn't want to let them leave the stage! The audience thunderously applauded Yuri Viderman, whose rhythms had everyone dancing, Vago Ohanyan, Kreshnik Zhabiano, and the other performers—no one remained indifferent.
A particularly touching moment was the performance of two talented boys from the Bukharan Jewish children's choir "Atid," who have literally grown up before my eyes and are now preparing to sing on the Metropolitan Opera stage. Together with the audience, they sang the song "Let There Always Be Mama, Let There Always Be Sunshine," filling the hall with a special light and warmth.
I was deeply touched by the performance of the prayer and song by Yitzhak Khaimov in memory of his parents.
Other gems were also played - the legendary New York, New York, and melodies from the musical Fiddler on the Roof, which evoked both smiles and tears of nostalgia.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the tireless, kind soul, Rita Kagan, who poured her energy, love, and faith into this concert. Thanks to her and everyone who helped make this small miracle, this stunning concert, a truly unforgettable evening.
I would like to especially mention the audience – intelligent, cultured, educated, that very spiritual elite who, even on a day of pouring rain, despite the storm warning and a broken elevator, came to the concert.
Many thanks to Anna Malkina, Tanya Shuf, Sofia Loren-Gliksman, Zoya Pilyavina, Larise Sharapan, Lara Vugman and others.
It seemed as if we were all one big family, gathered together, waiting for news, praying for the release of the hostages and peace in the Holy Land.
That evening, the concert combined the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, turning into a true Victory Concert, filled with faith, hope, and love of life.
We look forward to such concerts with impatience, and every song that resonates in our hearts is a great, unifying cause.
Thank you to everyone who preserves and revives our traditions, despite the times and difficulties.
Let there be peace, health and joy in every home, and sun, mother and faith in every heart.
Marina Lagunova
