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November 8, 2002
Japanese choir inspires
Israel can find friends in the most unlikely places.
TIM NEWMAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
Temple Sholom Synagogue provided the community with an extraordinary
gift of international music last week. The Makhelat Hashachar, otherwise
known as the Shinonome Chorus, gave a brilliant recital of Hebrew,
Japanese and Yiddish songs.
Makhelat Hashachar is a Christian-based group belonging to Beit
Shalom, the Japan Christian Friends of Israel. They have travelled
to Israel, North America and other parts of the world to share their
songs for the purpose of achieving peace.
The concert, which took place Oct. 30, began with "Hatikvah"
and ended with "Al kol eleh." In between, the group sang
songs from Israel of prayer and peace, along with a few Yiddish
favorites, such as "Yiddishe Mame." The choir introduced
the audience to Japanese folk song and dance and, using the music,
built a bridge, rich in compelling tones and vibrant textures, that
brought together two distinct and beautiful cultures. Every lyric
and every note of the concert was brought to life by the evident
diligence and dedication that these artists offered to their craft.
Their vocal abilities and their expressiveness inspired the listeners
to restore their hope that people of different beliefs and traditions
can find ways to engage one another in those necessary conversations
about co-existence and peace.
The choir members spoke of their "sincere love for Israel"
and their firm conviction "that there is no peace in the world
without peace in Jerusalem." Don't miss this group the next
time it comes to Vancouver.
Tim Newman is a lawyer and writer living in North Vancouver.
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