Ma’ayanot’s annual Heartbeats performance, a student-operated fundraising event and celebration of performance art, took place at Yeshivat Ben Porat Yosef on May 30. A total of 130 students participated, showcasing their talents in 18 musical and dance performances. This year, after a school-wide selection process, the Israel-based organization Save A Child’s Heart was chosen as the tzedaka beneficiary. Tickets, concessions and donations brought in more than $16,000 for the charity, which provides life-saving cardiac care to children from developing countries.

The music included songs such as “Simanei Hazman” by Moshe Peretz and “Something Worth Saving” by Gavin Degraw, with soloists and elaborate harmonies accompanied by student musicians. The dancers rocked the stage with interpretive numbers inspired by themes such as the moon landing, the armed forces, superheroes and a nostalgic journey through music and dance from the 1920s to today. In addition to performing, students operated the lighting and the sound system, and took charge of all business and organizational details. Graduating senior Adira Barber, one of the business organizers, described the sense of unity and purpose that drove the experience forward. “Every single person had to work together to make the night what it was, and one of the things I am most proud of is that every girl in Heartbeats contributed more than what she signed up for, without a single complaint. It really was a night of unity and simcha, all in the name of tzedaka.” Bailey Braun, dean of students, who supervised and provided direction to the students, was awed by the outcome. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to learn from and with these talented women, watching them tirelessly create an exquisite inclusive program that celebrates their skills and passions.”