World Jewish News

"Shalom" vocal band, representing the small Assembly of the Nationalities of Kazakhstan, participates in cultural even

It is hard to imagine celebrating national holidays and Sabbaths without songs or music. "Efraim" Hased has resolved this problem. The solution? The "Shalom" vocal band organized by the indefatigable Nina Michelson. She is the current art director of the ensemble beloved by the entire community.
Nina Michelson started by inviting Gennadiy Plotnikov, an experienced and well-known Petropavlovsk musical director. Nina and Gennadiy are not only long-time friends, but also partners. Six original performers aged 60-68 saw success come right away.
The entire community selected the band's repertoire. No offer was left out. Special thanks went to the JEC director Svetlana Makarovskaya, the band's guide into the world of Jewish songs.
So, the band was founded. The rehearsals commenced. Having overcome certain pronunciation problems, "Shalom" prepared to perform songs in Hebrew: "Erushalaim", "Shel Zakhav" (second Israel's anthem), "Oce Shalom", "Hava Naguila", "Hatikva", and so on. Inspired by the band's enthusiasm, Hased's leadership gave money for the stage dresses.
Now, "Sjalom" is a quite mature and well-organized vocal band. Nina Michelson updates the repertoire for every Jewish holiday, selecting the relevant songs. And even in sever frost, the rehearsals are held twice a week. And, if needed, even more often.
Filled with love and joy, "Shalom" prepared to perform Shabbath prays. Now, "Efraim" Hased Sabbath ritual, which includes compulsory Torah reading and Sabbath song signing, is performed on the highest level. The Hased participants join the vocal band in its singing "Lekh Dodi" and "Shalom Alekhem".
Monthly Warm House meetings are still accompanied by the performances by "Shalom". Elder people unable to attend Shabbat every week sing festive melodies with pleasure. A repertoire of mostly Yiddish songs has been specially selected for them. Many Warm House visitors hear and speak Yiddish from their early years. Their parents spoke Yiddish; it is the language of heart and soul of the elder generation of the CIS's Jewish communities.
Representing the small Assembly of the Nationalities of Kazakhstan, "Shalom" vocal group participates in the town's cultural events with great pleasure. The band is well-known and beloved in Petropavlovsk. It is already scheduled to perform at the Naurza festivities and the Day of the Town celebration. And a lot more to come!
Igor Zhigarlovskiy, Petropavlovsk, "Efraim" Hased

Источник: mitsva.kz