By all measures, the “Sounds Like Unity” Lag B’Omer concert held in Livingston earlier this month was a rousing success.
It brought together well over 500 community members (possibly closer to 650) of all ages for a rousing music fest with well known Jewish music singers Shmuly Lieberman, Joey Newcomb and Nissim Black that inspired sing-alongs and enthusiastic dancing by audience members.
It raised awareness of the two organizers—Hatzalah of MetroWest and the Friendship Circle—and raised funds that will benefit the missions of both groups.
And of equal significance, the event deepened ties between the Jewish community, the two groups that coordinated the concert, and the concert’s headline sponsor, Atlantic Health System.
Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 12 counties and 6.2 million people. The not-for-profit system offers more than 400 sites of care, including its seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and through its partnership with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ.
“Atlantic Health System’s mission is to build healthier communities, and a critical pillar of that effort is supporting civic activities that help strengthen body, mind and spirit,” said Steven Sheris, MD, executive vice president, chief physician executive and president, Atlantic Medical Group. “The Lag B’Omer concert ‘Sounds Like Unity’ is an example of the uplifting power derived from coming together in a unifying celebration of culture, tolerance and peace.”
Hatzalah of MetroWest and the Friendship Circle are also grateful to Chickies and West Orange Fooderie, which were co-sponsors of the event.
“Hatzalah partnered on this event to help strengthen the partnership between the community and our organization,” said Josh Commer of Hatzalah of MetroWest. “We are here to serve the greater MetroWest community, and a broadly publicized program like this was seen as a great way to highlight that mission. Based on the wonderful attendance, we feel we met that goal.”
Harry Glazer can be reached at [email protected]
