Fried, Lipa and Kids Star at BAM

A. Cohen

Over 2,100 people packed into the beautiful Howard Gillman Opera House Sunday for a night they would never forget.

The event was a special evening marking 30 years since the Lubavitcher Rebbe started the Jewish children’s organization Tzivos Hashem, and 30 years of hard work and devotion to Jewish children worldwide through clubs, rallies, countless publications, craft workshops and more.

The atmosphere was electric as the house lights faded and the hall fell silent. A voice over the loudspeaker announced the beginning of the show and the hall erupted in cheers and applause. The MC for the evening, comedian Elon Gold of Los Angeles had the crowd roaring with laughter from the start.

The theme song, ‘Impact’, written by Moshe Kravitsky and performed by the Sparks Choir together with Avraham Fried and Lipa Schmeltzer, was beautifully executed and the children performed to the highest standards. The words of the song highlighted the theme of the evening, ‘children have got the power to change the world’ by using their talents and through doing good they can really make an impact ‘to bring Moshiach now.’

Jewish superstars Avraham Fried and Lipa Schmeltzer were on fire as they wowed the crowd with impressive performances of their hit songs.

Together with the Shira Choir and the Redwine Dance group the performance element of the evening was exciting and entertaining.

A skit, written and directed by Tzirel Raskin and Michelle Lieberman, gave a story of inspiration about how kids themselves can be the ones to influence others, and in their innocence change the world for the good. Never underestimate the power of the young, was the message imparted and the little actors, joined by Fried and Lipa who played themselves, gave over this message in a skit full of meaning and a touch of humor.

Over the course of the evening many talented children graced the stage to show what they are doing to make the world a better place, in the form of the finals of the ‘Power of Jewish Children’ Competition. The finalists of the three competition categories, Chessed, Achievement, and Performing Arts, showcased their talents and acts of kindness before the guest judges made their final decision.

Honored judges were Elly Klienman – President and CEO of The Americare Companies and partner of the event, Nancy Spielberg – Executive Producer, Rabbi Simon Jacobson – bestselling author of ‘Towards and Meaningful Life,’ Ambassador Palitha Kohona of Sri Lanka – Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Cat Greenleaf – features reporter for WNBC NY. Prizes up for grabs included cash for a non-profit organization of the winner’s choice, a sizable amount for themselves and a library of books from Kehot Publishing house.

After each of the finalists performed, the judges had the chance to ask them a few questions about their talent. Winner of the Achievement category Menachem Farkash was challenged by Rabbi Jacobson to begin a chapter of Mishnayus that he had chosen. Menachem was able to recite them from the exact spot the Rabbi had picked, flawlessly, much to the amazement of the judges and the crowed who cheered loudly.

Michelle Stern, the young violinist, astounded the crowd with her violin skills. Accompanied by her mother on the piano, she had the audience on the edge of their seats and wide mouthed in awe as she played her piece. The crowd rose to their feet as she finished and applauded loudly, she was a clear winner in the performance category.

The chessed finalists all impressed the judges and finding an overall winner was difficult, but the final winner was chosen after a lovely performance of ‘If I were a rich man’ from Fiddler on the roof by Mendel Kugel of Crown Heights, who uses his talent to raise money for charity, bring joy to the sick and entertain the elderly.

All the finalists were awarded medals and their prizes by co-chairpersons of the evening Mr. Ira Yavarkovsky and Dr. Marcia Wilf, both long-time friends and supporters of Tzivos Hashem.

Produced by Danny Kaizler of Israevents and Danny Finkelman of Sparks Productions it was a fabulous evening of performance and talent and one that won’t be forgotten too quickly.

The Tzivos Hashem ‘Jewish Kids Got Talent’ Concert Gala brought to you by The Americare Companies, and sponsored in part by The Jewish Press and COLlive.com was a resounding success and a wonderful way to commemorate the 30 successful years of Tzivos Hashem and a promise to never give up and strive to do better and provide for future generations of Jewish children.