OWN CORRESPONDENT
Photographer Ilan Ossendryver
It was also the best organised thanks to the professional touch and dedication of the coordinator Lisa Zimmerman,” Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, of Great Park Shul, told SA Jewish Report.
Choirs and a marimba band from King David Schools and Torah Academy entertained the huge crowd sitting on the lawns between the trees. There were also live performances by the Johnny Sklar Band and young phenomenon Shmuli Brill.
Rabbi Eitan Ash arranged a moving presentation of Torah verses which were led on screen by Rabbi Danny Cohen and his children, together with soldiers in Chevron, by a young Torah Academy learner who is receiving treatment in New York and by children representing the diverse participating communities.
Children enjoyed the exciting array of rides and shows. Food was on sale at affordable prices. Glynda Kramer led a formidable Great-Park food production team. Families were treated to free popcorn, candyfloss and soup. Fifty bonfires lit and warmed the forest.
A separate young adults section for the over 21s included K Space arranged by Levi and Leah Lipskar, and YAD arranged by Naomi Hadar of the Israel United Appeal. They enjoyed the special ambience until after midnight.
Blankets were sold to keep out the evening chill. They were returned at the end of the evening to be distributed to the poor through the offices of Afrika Tikkun. The blankets will be given out by the barmitzvah boys and batmitzvah girls of our community.
An Ahavat Yisroel/chesed project was launched in the Jewish days schools by Eliyahau Sasson who prepared lesson plans for teachers regarding the power of Hakhel and Jewish Unity.
“This year is particularly associated with Hakhel – Jewish unity,” said Rabbi Hazdan.
Learners were videoed at their schools sharing their thoughts about Ahavat Yisroel. This was presented on screen through the professional assistance of Mark Badler of Show TV.
Greg Hurvitz, choirmaster at Great Park, was the energetic master of ceremonies who kept the programme moving.
Rabbi Dovid Hazdan drew the connection to this year of Hakhel – Jewish unity.
“It affords us the powerful opportunity to add in our commitment to draw closer together as a Jewish community, to draw inspiration from the Torah and to bring light to the world around us.”
