New York – Ayecha, a leading Jewish diversity organization, is hosting a groundbreaking musical event celebrating the experience of Jews of Color in Israel, Africa and the United States. This historical event will feature top Jewish performers, including the internationally acclaimed Joshua Nelson and Danny Maseng.
The Jewish Soul Celebration concert will take place on
December 17, 2005,
from 8pm – 11pm,
at the Peter Norton Symphony Space at 2537
Broadway at 95th Street.
For more
on Ayecha, visit www.ayecha.org
Groundbreaking Musical Event Celebrating Jews of Color
and the Life of William Tate, Civil Rights Activist and Jewish Leader
In honoring the musical contribution of Jews of Color to 350 years of
Jewish life in America, Ayecha hopes this concert will help to build
greater inclusiveness in the Jewish community. Fitting with that theme,
this concert is dedicated to the life of William “Bill” Tate, a
distinctive Jewish leader of Color, whose accomplishments in the Jewish
and African-American communities are inspirational. Among his lifetime
achievements, Mr. Tate was the Vice President of AFL-CIO for the New
York tri-state area; “Man of the Year” for the National Council of Young
Israel; a founding member and spiritual leader of the Beth Shalom
Congregation of Brooklyn; Chairman of the Board of Bedford-Stuyvesant
Restoration Corporation; and emissary, along with former Mayor David
Dinkins, to Germany to visit concentration camps on behalf of Holocaust
survivors.
Honoring his legacy, the following groups will perform:
* Joshua Nelson and the Kosher Gospel Singers artfully blend
the American gospel sound with deep Jewish roots for a rousing
performance that has audiences dancing in the aisles.
* Danny Maseng, one of the most popular and respected composers
of contemporary Jewish liturgical music, has been wowing audiences with
his critically-acclaimed music for over a decade.
* Voices of Shalom Jazz Ensemble moves audiences with their
soothing, refreshing and upbeat spiritual music.
* Beta Israel of North America Ethiopian Dance Troupe draws its
inspiration from the beautiful poetry and prayers of the Ethiopian
Jewish community.
* Yoel Ben-Simhon & The Sultana Ensemble‘s distinctive sound
preserves Judeo-Arab and Middle Eastern music, creating a bridge between
Eastern and Western music traditions.
This concert is generously supported by Jewish Education Service of
North America (JESNA), United Jewish Communities, Bikkurim, the Shefa
Fund, and Joshua Venture.
Ayecha is the leading Jewish organization utilizing training, curricula,
and programming to increase Jewish Diversity awareness, and support,
strengthen and advocate for Jews of Color and multi-racial families in
the United States. Across the communal spectrum, Ayecha programs succeed
in bringing thousands of Jews together to experience the warmth and
beauty of a racially and culturally enriched Jewish community. For more
on Ayecha, visit www.ayecha.org