Photograph by Roy Rochlin

ESRA volunteers proved, once again, that as a team they can pull off a major event successfully and make it look so very easy.

On October 17, ESRA cooked up a storm. The ingredients were all there: a gala evening with internationally acclaimed singer Achinoam Nini always promised to be special; Gil Dor’s guitar would delight; the Israel Chamber Orchestra conducted by Ilan Mochiach would add depth and drama; and Haim Yavin, Mr. News himself, would guide us through the evening with clarity and panache.

So what made this event special?  Quite simply it was the “ESRA” component.  It all started outside the magnificent Opera House as people greeted one another as they entered and mingled in the foyer as if going to some class reunion. There was an air of excitement and anticipation as people saw familiar faces. Everyone knew someone and the air buzzed with warmth and belongingness.  As the lights dimmed we were taken on a guided journey through a potted history of ESRA, its achievements and projects. A short, concise film was screened which illustrated some of the ways in which ESRA makes a difference in the community at large. Even the film itself was a credit to the volunteers who made it and showed us all that Esravision has “come of age”. Nina Zuck, ESRA’s co-chair, appealed to the audience to continue supporting ESRA’s work – as if we needed convincing! Her charm and modest words were capped by the sweet voices and performance of the Hefzibah choir. These young Ethiopian girls, who participate in our choir in Netanya and are led by Eva De Mayo and Yevgeny Mishkov, caused the 1600 people in the audience to marvel at their achievements after such a short time together.  I was sitting near their parents who could be heard 'kvelling' as their daughters sang on stage at the Israel Opera House. If that wasn’t enough, they later sang with Achinoam Nini, who was gracious in sharing stage and song, and even comforted one of the girls after she slipped and fell.

The main program was great.  Achinoam Nini and Gil Dor, supported by the Israel Chamber Orchestra, selected a repertoire with something for everyone as she sang some of her better known songs  (Bo’i Kala and Keren Or), a taste of Italy (Santa Lucia), a touch of opera (Rossini), jazz (My Funny Valentine) and some of her personal favorites from different periods of her life.  Her stories of her grandmother, mother and voice teachers, and of her deep love and appreciation of them, revealed the depth of her humaneness and spirituality.

She concluded her performance with Beautiful Life. How apt for such a wonderful, impressive and entertaining evening.

Congratulations to the organizing committee who, yet again, have set new and higher standards for our ESRA events.

Liz Trakeniski worked for ESRA for 15 years, her last position being that of director of ESRA. She is currently the director of Community Investments at Matan – Investing in the Community.