By Eileen Wingard
SAN DIEGO — The Ohr Shalom Social Hall was filled to capacity with congregants from that synagogue and from Congregation Beth Am. They came to hear a concert of their combined choirs, under the direction Of Elisheva Edelson.
Two synagogue choirs unite in song
In addition to her own guitar accompaniment, there were two other guitarists, a drummer and a pianist, who accompanied some of the offerings.
The program was in commemoration of both Yom HaZikaron, (Day of Remembrance), and Yom AaAtzmaut, (Israel Independence Day).
It opened with Ernest Gold’s song from his movie score to the film, based on Leon Uris’ novel, Exodus.
This was followed by Eretz (Land), for which Jessica Lemoine sang the solo.
Next came a medley of old pioneer songs, such as Anu Banu Artza and Artza Alinu (We Go Up To the Land), ones that I remembered singing in the Zionist Youth Movement, Habonim, when I was a teenager.
A medley, describing the landscapes of Israel, followed, with songs such as Shir Ha’emek (Song of the Valley).
Judy Sperling was the soloist in Horshat Eukaliptus (Eucalyptus).
The next medley consisted of love songs, beginning with the beautiful Erev shel Shoshanim (Evening of Roses).
Emily Israel was the soloist in Yerushalaim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold).
The concluding song on the program was a new composition, featuring soloist, Sue Brown. Israel Sheli was written especially for the 70th anniversary of the State of Israel, and Elisheva taught it to the entire audience. She also delivered meaningful introductions to the medleys and the individual selections, adding a unifying dimension to the evening.
Among the audience was a beaming Anne Galicot, who spearheaded the creation of a choir at Ohr Shalom. Also present was Rhoda Gaylis, the founder of the San Diego Jewish Men’s Choir, who spoke highly of Elisheva’s work.
The enthusiasm of the choir members made their music contagious. The words of the songs were projected on a screen, so those who knew the melodies could sing along.
I was sitting between two native Israelis, who joined in. To my right was Ruth Levy, former principal of Hebrew High, who knew nearly every song.
May the two choirs continue to flourish under the capable leadership of Elisheva Edelson.
There is nothing like singing to unify a community.
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Wingard is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com