Violinist’s Comeback at Dinner

By COLlive reporter
Photos: Peter Halmagyi

A gala dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ten Yad humanitarian organization in Brazil was a fitting occasion for Maxim Vengerov to make a comeback.

Resuming his brilliant musical career after a few years’ absence, the virtuoso violinist took the stage at Estacao Júlio Prestes in S. Paulo and wowed a crowd of 1,000 people who came to salute the organization.

The Russian-born Vengerov, described by EMI Classics record label as one of the world’s most exciting violinists, appeared alongside renowned Israeli pianist Itamar Golan.

Before the concert, Vengerov was given a tour of Ten Yad headquarters by its Deputy Director Rabbi Berel Weitman, where he learned about its social services, senior and homeless care, soup kitchen and meals programs.

Being born in the Soviet Union and witnessing poverty there, the violinist was deeply moved and commended supporters of the organization, one of the largest to combat hunger in Brazil.

The event began with a cocktail reception with many community leaders and elected officials in attendance. One of them was Sao Paulo Councilman Floriano Pesaro, who noted that “Ten Yad is a cause of great pride for all Jews.”

Ten Yad’s President Moises Nigri and Executive Director Rabbi Dovid Weitman explained how the organization provides more than food. “We give hope, energy and happiness,” they said, thanking the 470 volunteers.

Founded in 1992 by Weitman, Rabbi of the Sephardic Congregation Beit Jacob Safra, Ten Yad distributes more than 700 tons of food per year and is partnered with the state and city of S. Paulo.

It has been awarded several times, among them the Bem Eficiente Award, granted by Kanitz & Associates to outstanding institutions in the country; the Betinho Award, granted by the city council for the best social programs in S. Paulo and others.

For more information on Ten Yad and its programs, visit www.tenyad.org.br.