Elizabeth—2014 Bruriah graduates Penina Abramov of Hillside and Rivkie Nissel of Passaic, lead their Michlalah team to victory in the prestigious annual Yeshiva University sponsored Kedma Song Competition in Jerusalem.

Teams represented 16 post-high school Israel programs for women, and this year’s theme was “Songs of Hope.”

Over 2,000 people attended the live performances, and judges reflected the broad spectrum that comprises the Jewish and Israeli music industries, including NJ-based singer/songwriter Shaindel Antelis (shaindelantelis.com), herself a Bruriah alumna class of 2007.

Shaindel said that she was thrilled to be a part of the exciting event, especially when she learned that representatives from her own alma mater clinched the first place win. “I definitely shepped nachas when I saw the Bruriah girls,” she said after the competition. “I think that Mother-Daughter has definitely helped the girls shine in Kedma and it gave them performing experience.”

Several other Bruriah alumnae participated in the winning troupe as well, including Ahuva Blass of Monsey, NY, and Eliana Alter of Teaneck, NJ.

Experience gleaned from the annual mother-daughter experience during their years at Bruriah was evident by the flavor of the performance, and audience members exclaimed that it was a sure leader above all others in terms of creativity, discipline, refinement, and substance.

“As a mother,” shared Adina Abramov, JEC’s Chief Marketing Officer and mother of Penina, “of course I am proud and happy for my daughter. I truly see this though as a victory for Bruriah as well and the entire JEC family. We should all take nachas from the girls’ outstanding effort. The Bruriah experience is an exceptional one, and that was evident tonight.”

You may view the performance at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diu91GHFb1s&sns=em.

By Adina Abramov