This past Thursday night, over one hundred people gathered at the Lebovic JCC in Toronto to celebrate 10 years for Chabad of Maple, led by Rabbi Chezky and Shaina Deren.
Honoring Uri and Sandra Khardas, Eli and Mandy Mail and Ron and Elise Barzakay, the community looked back on past accomplishments, celebrated how far they had come, and looked forward to an even more exciting second decade.
Headlining the gala was Yuvla Media’s unique multimedia concert, “Songs of the Inspired Soul,” which tells the story of the Rebbe‘s niggunim through film and a live performance by a string quartet.
In a very emotional moment, one of the guests, the 91-year-old grandfather of one of the Derens’ close friends, told Rabbi Deren these niggunim reminded him of the niggunim he heard before the war when he was a little boy.
He wasn’t the only one to be touched by this special concert. Many of the guests remarked how thoroughly they enjoyed hearing and learning about these niggunim.
“People often have a view of Chasidic Music that it is simple folk music, and in the past we had Musicians play more classical Jewish music for this reason,” said Rabbi Deren.
“This evening completely dispelled that myth. Even the non-Jewish musicians were very moved by the Niggunim. They were blown away by their depth and complexion.”
For more info about the niggunim program, email [email protected]
Amazing Deren’s of Maple!! you are a true inspiration!
Maple is the place to be!
Dear Chezky,
May you go from strength to strength with your Warmth & your Emes, that people love you for!
Yirmi Cohen
Wishing you continued hatzlacha! Keep up your amazing work!
Much hatzlocho in your shlichus