Every year, students from Ma’ayanot who enjoy singing and dancing join forces in order to create a night of song and dance—known as Heartbeats. The production is student-run and overseen by Dean of Students, Dr. Shoshana Poupko. The goal of the production, however, is not merely to showcase musical and dancing capabilities. Rather, the production revolves around a theme which speaks to the essence of a chosen tzedaka. Then, Ma’ayanot donates all of the proceeds from the performance to that tzedaka. This year, however, Ma’ayanot has chosen to expand the allotment of its Heartbeats proceeds. In order to capture both the communal and global aspects of giving tzedaka, Ma’ayanot has selected three organizations to which Heartbeats proceeds will be donated. Abroad, proceeds will benefit Israeli Defense Forces Widows and Orphans, known as IDFWO. This organization offers emotional and financial aid to those who have lost a loved one during his or her IDF service. One of the communal organizations that will receive proceeds is the Judah Marans Memorial Fund. This fund helps to establish the Judah Marans Music and Art Center at Yavneh Academy which seeks to transmit the therapeutic power of music and art to enhance life’s beauty. As a cause that is close to Ma’ayanot’s senior grade, Avigdor’s Helping Hand will also benefit from the proceeds. This organization provides financial and non-financial support to families who have lost their primary breadwinner. Therefore, this year’s Heartbeats theme is “Sharing a Heart.” The production’s purpose is to heighten awareness to those in need whether they are 6,000 miles away, ten minutes away or if they are our own neighbor. Whether their suffering is financial, emotional, or anything else, we should express our concern for their circumstance—sharing a heart.
Women of all ages are invited to join us in promoting the sharing of hearts at our Heartbeats 2017 production on May 24th, 7:00 PM at Ben Porat Yosef. (Show begins at 7:30 PM). You may purchase tickets through a Ma’ayanot student or at the door.
