Miriam Pfeiffer, producer of Meorot and NCSY Summer co-chair, feels that the choice of “Miracles” as the theme for the next production of Meorot, which marks its sixth year, is particularly appropriate. During these past 14 months, beginning with the horrific events of October 7, 2023, we have been witnessing nissim geluyim, open miracles, in the midst of the devastating warfare in Gaza and Lebanon. While we mourn the tragic loss of our heroic soldiers and civilians, we celebrate the miraculous instances of hashgacha, protection, that we are witnessing.
The NCSY Summer programs, which are supported by the proceeds from the Meorot production, are themselves examples of hashgacha. During the summer of 2024 over 2,000 young people participated in over 20 NCSY programs in Israel, the Midwest, and Europe—all successful and safe. Every program incorporated activities in support of Israel and its courageous soldiers and their families. Every trip provided an opportunity for chesed and an expression of unity with Am Yisrael.
In this upcoming Meorot production, 234 girls from grades 5-12 will be participating in song and dance performances, many featuring original compositions and choreography. The participants are from 21 schools in and outside of our local area, including 17 elementary schools and four high schools. The schools represented are RYNJ, Yeshivat Noam, Yavneh Academy, Yeshivat He’Atid, Moriah, Shalshelet, Shefa, YBH, Sinai RYNJ, JEC, Bruriah, Bais Yaakov of Passaic, Yeshiva Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, The Clifton Cheder Bais Yaakov, SAR, Netivot Montessori, Naaleh, Maayanot, Yeshivat Frisch, Machon Ora and Sinai Maayanot.
Choir Directors Aliza Schiff and Yael Weissberger, back from their gap years and currently attending college, are graduates of early Meorot productions. Their positive experiences as young participants in Meorot motivated their return as directors. They see the program as not only an opportunity for the girls to hone their talents but a chance to interact with young ladies from outside of their own environs. Similarly, two of the assistant dance directors, Sophie Klapper and Atara Rothstein, are high school seniors and former participants in Meorot.They are joined this year by Avital Schlissel and Ally Smilow, who is also Meorot’s logo designer.
In addition to the performances by the young participants, special appearances will be made by Roberta Shapiro, and daughters Naomi Schiff and Sorah Shaffren, who serve as creative and musical directors. Stacey Salkin serves as the dance director. A devoted committee responsible for the many details in the planning and staging of the production includes Alyssa Colton, Rebecca Stein, Elana Smilow, Rebecca Rothstein and Mindy Daar.
Sharing her thoughts about the many positive aspects of the Meorot productions and their financial support of the many NCSY Summer programs, Pfeiffer said: “I receive constant feedback on the impact the program has had on its participants. Mothers tell me that their daughters overcame shyness and lack of self-confidence through their participation in the programs. Others share that their daughters made lifelong friends through the program, whom they later met up with in camp or Israel. I have seen girls wearing their sweatshirts with the Meorot logo at bat mitzvah celebrations.
“It seems apparent that we have created a community through Meorot. And as our goal as a Jewish community, especially during these troublesome days, is to promote achdus, unity, among all of our people, I have to believe that we are on the right track with Meorot.”
The Meorot production of “Miracles” will take place at Bergen County Academies, 200 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The first show will be at noon, followed by the second show at 4 p.m.
Tickets are selling fast. To purchase your tickets go to https://summer.ncsy.org/MEOROTTICKETS2025/
