Interfaith concert in Montclair to benefit Israel, humanitarian efforts
Bnai Keshet in Montclair will host a Lag Ba’Omer concert, celebration, and fund-raiser on Saturday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m.
Habbina Habbina, a Mizrachi/Israeli surf band, will perform with guest singer Gili Yalo. Food will be from Marcel, Chef Meny Vaknin’s Montclair restaurant; s’mores will also be served at Havdalah, and there will be a bonfire.
The Brooklyn-based trio Habbina Habbina plays what has been described as Mediterranean surf connecting Brooklyn indie to Middle-Eastern psychedelia. Gili Yalo — an intriguing performer in Israel’s music scene — combines his Ethiopian roots with soul, funk, psychedelic, and jazz.
All funds from ticket sales and donations will benefit the Hostages & Missing Families Forum and the New Israel Fund’s support of humanitarian relief in Gaza, as well as the World Central Kitchen and International Rescue Committee. (Donors can indicate their preference on how their contributions are to be distributed.)
Bnai Keshet’s Rabbi Elliott Tepperman said that the goal is “to raise money for all those suffering on both sides of the Gaza envelope. This is a full embrace of the Jewish value of b’tzelem Elohim.”
The evening is cosponsored by B’nai Keshet, Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, and Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair, as well as Union Congregational Church, Union Baptist Church, and First Congregational Church, all in Montclair. “This is an example of the interfaith community and the Jewish community standing together that we have been longing for since October 7,” Rabbi Tepperman said.
Lag Ba’Omer — the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer from Passover to Shavuot — traditionally is celebrated with bonfires, picnics, and barbecues.
The suggested ticket price is $25 per person, $50 for families. Donations are welcome. Call 973-746-4889 or go to bnaikeshet.org/lagbaomer24 for information and to buy tickets.
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