By Mabel Pais

Israeli and Gospel Musicians Celebrate Fellowship in a Groundbreaking “Symphony of Brotherhood” musical experience.

The New Jersey-Israel Commission brings to us a groundbreaking and unforgettable musical experience celebrating the shared fellowship of Black, Jewish and Christian communities on Sunday, February 26 at 6pm at Wells Cathedral Church, 672 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Newark, NJ in honor of Black History Month.

The concert, titled ‘Symphony of Brotherhood,’ is a production by Israeli American Grammy Award winning artist Miri Ben-Ari, in collaboration with world-renowned gospel performer Derrick Starks. This special event will fuse cultures, musical genres, and soulful sounds.

“Symphony of Brotherhood,” the name of Ben-Ari’s latest hit (featuring Flo Rida), also includes special performances by the reputable Melonie Daniels, Lena Starks, kr3ts dance company, and Dr. Pauline Plummer, Founder of Covenant Daughters International, in an evening of love and harmony.

Government officials and community leaders from across the state will attend the event, including New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, New Jersey-Israel Commission leadership, Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Bishop of Israel and the first African American bishop ever to reside in Israel Glenn Plummer, and Bishop Kevin Knight.

FREE EVENT

WHEN: Sunday, February 26th at 6PM

WHERE: Wells Cathedral Church, 672 Dr. MLK Jr Blvd., Newark, NJ

REGISTRATION

The event is FREE, but advanced registration is requested at eventbrite.com/e/symphony-of-brotherhood-tickets-533791042377.

“Music has the unique capacity to unite our communities and remind us of the power and strength of friendship,” said Ben-Ari, also a member of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. “The goal of our event is to celebrate Black History Month together, a collaboration between local Christian, Black, Jewish and Israeli-American communities coming together in unity.”

“New Jersey is celebrated as a melting pot of so many various cultures, and the New Jersey-Israel Commission has, once again, created an initiative to unite our communities,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “I am thrilled to be celebrating Black History Month by attending this one-of-a-kind ‘Symphony of Brotherhood’ concert and we are looking forward to seeing how this unique performance will unite our communities and deepen friendships for the people of New Jersey.”

Miri Ben-Ari

Miri Ben-Ari is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, producer, humanitarian, “Goodwill Ambassador of Music” to the United Nations, TED speaker, and member of the New Jersey-Israel Commission. She is a classically trained violinist, who once studied under the late classical master Isaac Stern, Ben-Ari has helped to sell millions of records by collaborating with Grammy award-winning artists such and graciously will share her knowledge and experience, inspiring the young musicians.

“We need tolerance now more than ever” says Miri Ben-Ari (miribenari.com), who has consistently broken barriers with her music and philanthropic endeavors. Miri Ben-Ari is the co-founder and CEO of Gedenk gedenkmovement.org

“Symphony of Brotherhood,” is a non-profit organization that runs creative programs for young people to promote tolerance.  It is her love for music that fuels her passion to provide quality and educational experiences teaching tolerance through music to young musicians. The young musicians will perform to Miri Ben-Ari’s piece “Symphony of Brotherhood,” to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s timeless speech “I Have A Dream.” For more information about Miri Ben-Ari, miribenari.com

Watch the video – youtube.com/watch?v=X8SJ9V9DVMo&feature=youtu.be

The New Jersey-Israel Commission

The New Jersey-Israel Commission was established in 1989 to implement the goals of the New Jersey-Israel Sister State Agreement and is under the administration of the New Jersey Department of State. The Commission promotes the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourages the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and fosters a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey.

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FAITH MEETS CITY & CELEBRITY AT THE SHEEN CENTER, NY

By Mabel Pais

Join the Sheen Center with Special Guests…..

New York City Mayor, Eric Adams & Actor-Singer-Author, Vanessa Williams

Reverend A.R. Bernard and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik – co-hosts of the popular WABC Radio Sunday morning talk show, “The Rev & the Rabbi” – bring their signature brand of wit and wisdom to the Sheen Center’s stage in front of a live audience on February 23 at 6 pm at the Sheen Center, New York. The evening will feature an intimate conversation with New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, as he shares how his faith journey has informed his life of public service, as a member of the NYPD, as an elected official, and as the mayor of the largest, most religiously-diverse city in the United States. Learn how Mayor Adam’s faith sustained him during these difficult past two years; how it inspires in him hope and healing for our divided city; and the relevant role faith-based partnerships play in his administration. You don’t want to miss it. The evening will also feature a conversation with multi-hyphenate performer Vanessa Williams, who will discuss how her faith has informed and guided her career on stage and screen, as an award-winning singer and actress.

PROGRAM

WHAT: The Rev and the Rabbi

WHEN: February 23, 2023 @ 6 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before showtime)

WHERE: The Sheen Center, 18 Bleecker Street, New York City 10012

TICKETS

FREE….registration required @ ci.ovationtix.com/34409/production/115073

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PLAY INSPIRED BY ‘LITTLE ROCK NINE’

By Mabel Pais

After hearing Ya Girl, a high school student with more than one million followers on Instagram, struggle to make sense of today’s tumultuous world, Melba Pattillo steps out of history to share the story of her battle to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Ya Girl learns to see herself in Melba  – and in all the young warriors who came before her who raised their hands and made a difference.

Inspired by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beale’s memoir, ‘Little Rock Nine,’ ‘Warriors Don’t Cry,’ is a catalyst for deeper discourse, social media, and community engagement.

PROGRAM

WHEN: February 25, 2023 @ 11 am & 2 pm

WHERE: The Sheen Center, 18 Bleecker Street, New York City (Doors open about 30 minutes before performance)

Recommended Ages: Grades 6 to 12

Watch the trailer – youtu.be/ekIcSX0LnfU

TICKETS

Purchase tickets for the 11 am show

@ ci.ovationtix.com/34409/production/1148072?performanceId=11215011 and

for the 2 pm show

@ ci.ovationtix.com/34409/production/1148072?performanceId=11215012

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)