Paytanit Shir Ifrah, Unity Concert Partnered by SHIN-DC & the Embassy of Israel at Sixth & I

Three days before the war started in Israel with the terrorism carried out by Hamas, SHIN-DC sponsored a Sephardic music concert featuring Israeli Paytanit (Liturgical Artist) Shir Malka Ifrah in partnership with the Embassy of Israel to show them our love and to inspire unity and hope more broadly. This concert at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue included songs in Hebrew, Arabic and Ladino performed by musicians from Israel, the USA, Morocco, and Australia. During this difficult time, we hope that you will draw strength, as we have, from these songs of unity, protection, and hope inspired by our matriarchs and patriarchs, particularly Avraham Avinu (Abraham our father) whose legacy continues to inspire much-needed peace today. Show your support for peace and for those who have lost loved ones by clicking "like" on the video. Please also share this video to spread hope and healing to others who might need it. The Israeli Paytanit Shir Malka Ifrah who spoke of Morocco as the place where her family’s heritage and roots are embedded, dedicated the holiday concert to Israel, Morocco, Bahrain, and the UAE and to the friendship that we share and continue to build. SHIN’s Director Afraim Katzir reflected on the often overlooked aspect of the Sukkot holiday that involved the participation of all the diverse peoples of the world together with the Jewish people in the land of Israel to celebrate the fall harvest, as well as the message of unity, despite differences, that is embodied by the gathering of the four species (citron, palm branch, willow, myrtle) during the holiday. Katzir stated, “We believe that God is One and our ability to unite in the sanctity of peace is a reflection of the status we all share as God’s children.” Efrat Hochstetler, Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Israel in Washington introduced the Israeli artist and thanked SHIN for the organization’s initiative on behalf of the Embassy, stating, “Any exposure of Israeli artists and especially with the message of unity is a blessed performance.” Time Stamps: Afraim Katzir, Director, SHIN-DC, welcome 00:19 Efrat Hochstetler, Counselor for Public Diplomacy, the Embassy of Israel in Washington, opening remarks 5:11 1. Instrumental - Laylat Hob 7:02 2. Abraham medley - (a) Eleka Hashem (Hebrew: To you, God, I lifted my eyes); (b) Avraham Avinu adaptation (Ladino: Our father Abraham) of traditional lyrics and melody, as well as Shalom Aleikhem Lyrics. 12:58 3. Isaac - Et Shaarei Ratzon (Time of the gates of favor) 22:13 4. Jacob - Sukkah ve'Lulav (Shelter and palm branch) 25:35 5. Moses - Yismah Moshe (Moses will rejoice) 29:12 6. Aaron - El Meod Naala (Most Exalted One) 32:44 7. Matriarchs - Omri Ma Nen'sak Ya Mamma (Arabic: I will never forget you, mother) 39:27 8. Yosef/David - Ben Ish Hai (Hebrew: Son of a living man) 42:55 9. Matriarchs medley - (a) Yaala Yaala (Come to the garden); (b) Et Dodim Kala (A time of love); (c) Mezulzelet (Belittled) 54:35 10. Matriarchs medley - (a) Yehida Ra'aya (One and only wife); (b) Segulati (My treasure) 1:04:44 11. David - Ya Et Sukkat David (David's shelter) 1:09:20 Photo credit: Shmulik Almany. Thanks to all of our CO-SPONSORS/COMMUNITY PARTNERS  The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; Hillel International; Moishe House; AJC Washington DC; Washington Hebrew Congregation; Adas Israel Congregation; B’nai Israel Congregation; National Museum of American Jewish Military History;; Edlavitch DC JCC; Theater J; JxJ Washington Jewish Film and Music Festival; Bet Mishpacha; Stand With Us; EMET; Washington Moroccan American Club; DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.