CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM WEST HONOURS HERB GRAY AT CENTREPOINTE THEATRE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2003

By Esther Kulik, Co-chair Congregation Beth Shalom West

After many months of planning and 100's of Emails later, in conjunction with Ma'Arav Education Organization, the Congregation Beth Shalom West Concert to Honour Herb Gray was a resounding success. It was an opportunity to recognize a member of the local Jewish Community who has attained national achievement and the event was well attended by local and national political leaders including Mayor Bob Chiarelli, MP Marlene Catterall and Minister Gar Knutsen to name a few.

Cantor Daniel Benlolo had arranged a unique musical event in tribute to the outstanding and impressive career of the Right Honorable Herb Gray, QC, PC. With 40 years of parliamentary experience, Mr. Gray’s political career is legendary. He is still active, now the Chair of the Canadian Section of the International Joint Commission, which assists the US and Canadian governments in finding solutions to problems and disputes that arise regarding the rivers and lakes that lie along or flow across the border between the two countries. The evening was a multifaceted presentation, consisting of solo performances of Contemporary Rock Music, such as Elvis and Louis Armstrong renditions by the versatile Cantor Benlolo along with Aviva Lightstone, as an outstanding musical accompanist.

In addition, a Youth Choir entitled 'Herbs and Spice' especially assembled and trained by Cantor Benlolo, delighted us all.

We enjoyed traditional Yiddish music by “A Touch of Klez”. Shoshanna Telner, a well-known professional Ottawa Jewish pianist, who has performed worldwide and has been recognized on CBC radio, was our guest performer and she captured the audience's attention with her incredible talent. Also included was a multimedia presentation highlighting memorable moments from Mr. Gray’s career.

With the help of Saul Jacobson, a well known local radio announcer, and many talented musicians, which included our very own Nathan Cepelinski on the saxaphone, Eric Elkin on the flute, Isaac Muzikansky on the guitar and Aviva Lightstone on the keyboard, the evening exceeded all our expectations and we certainly look forward to many repeat performances.

Yasher Koach to our dedicated and determined co-chairs Elliot Melamed and Eric Weisbloom, who have worked tirelessly on 5 successful fundraiser concerts to date for our shul. Yasher Koach to our multi-talented Aviva Lightstone & Cantor Benlolo for the fantastic program they organized for us. Their creativity and hard work really benefited us all. We all had an exceptional evening and we were delighted with the turnout to this event.

- Back to "Photo Album" -

Last Updated – Wednesday, March 5, 2003