By Sandy Golden
SAN DIEGO — Dalya’s Dancing, Tarbuton’s Yeladim, Yochanan’s Becko Band, and French chanteuse Chantal made the day shine even brighter this past Sunday at the annual House of Israel (HOI) Lawn Program in Balboa Park. It was a celebration of Israel and even the weather cooperated to the success of the event, presenting a balmy spring-like perfect San Diego day for all in attendance.
The crowd of approximately 250 men, women and children had started gathering before 1 P.M.in time to enjoy the exhibits and displays outdoors and inside the newly-renovated House.
In The House of
Israel , knowledgeable guides like volunteers Ruth Mastrone and Seymour Teitelbaum, who had made numerous trips to Israel, were answering visitors’ questions, and sharing their own personal experiences about “Ha’ Aretz”, The Land.
Behind the counter, volunteer coordinator Lisa Yakir, together with long-time volunteer Doris Hoffer, and recently elected HOI Board member Helene Held, took turns serving mouth-watering borekas, a middle Eastern delicacy, all afternoon.
Outside, before the stage entertainment began, people were seen, checking out the exhibits under and near the big tent, which included a display of information about Zionist Habonim Camp Gilboa, and a new K-2 charter school “Kavod Elementary” which will be starting up in the fall. Alexa Greenland, the school’s Director and Sandi Masori whose son Sky will be starting at Kavod in September, enthusiastically shared information with interested parents about the school’s Hebrew immersion/dual language learning model.
This year, once again, cherry tomato seeds from Israel, which grow quickly into tall plants, were available, donated by HOI friend Jim Sherman.
As 2PM arrived and HOI Vice-President, “M.C”. Jack Maizel announced the beginning of the Lawn Program, the crowd settled in their lawn chairs, on benches and on the grass.
Young children, whose faces had been painted by Israeli Scouts under the leadership of Scouts Leeav Nagda and Tomer Battnester, returned to sit with their parents, to watch the show.
Under the direction of Karin Leskly, Program Manager, Ronni Brown, Education Coordinator, and volunteers Shoshi Barkai and Ronit Snyder, the very young children from Tarbuton’s Cultural Center in their blue and white outfits sang out loud and strong, as they danced to a variety of Israeli songs, which brought lots of cheers and applause from the audience.
And finally, as in past years, the show concluded with Dancing with Dalya on stage and off, as many participants joined in to follow Dalya’s lead, as she provided instruction for experienced and novice dancers of all ages, who danced enthusiastically to show their love for Israel…..
“TIKA TAKA,” a caterer of Israeli food, had to postpone its appearance until next Sunday’s Ethnic Fair.
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Golden is a freelance writer based in San Diego. She may be contacted at sandy.golden@sdjewishworld.com