Parents, grandparents, faculty and friends filled the SAR High School cafeteria in anticipation of the school’s annual Night of the Arts. The program is the culminating arts event of the year and showcases a collection of fine and performing arts that highlights the artistry and creativity of the SAR student body.
“It was a wall-to-wall celebration of creativity and ingenuity,” says Fine Arts Department Chair David Friedman.
The artwork and performances all centered around the theme of the year, “Koach Hadibur,” the power of speech. “The arts are a language and, in this post October 7 moment, they are a place where the language of traditional words fails us,” says Friedman.
In addition to performances that highlighted the theme of Koach Hadibur, students painted a mural in the art room on the subject as well.
“I worked with a group of students from different grades and art backgrounds to create a painting of a person holding up the world,” says Lilly H. “The world was encompassed with words that represent Jewish values related to speech. We shared ideas and talked out our artistic approaches to create a piece we are all proud of.”
Throughout the lobby and cafeteria, paintings and drawings were on display. Many of the works featured bird themes in collaboration with the Alight Mer’irm project, an animation project made possible through a generous grant from the Covenant Foundation supporting Machon Siach’s Innovation Lab. The project combined work from students, faculty and SAR community members addressing the question of how we as a community express ourselves in this post October 7 world.
The cafeteria had the intimate feel of a real arts cafe. To kick off the incredible musical performances, Rabbi Kenny Birnbaum, Performing Arts Department Chair, sang “Give a Little Whistle” accompanied by the SAR High School Band, directed by band director Mr. Jihwan Kim, featuring Sam A., Jonah P., Lev W. and Mr. Kim. Jonah also sang “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady by Lerner and Lowe, accompanied by Mr. Kim on the piano.
The list of incredible talents continued with recitations of original poems, artwork displays and a Design Engineering showcase of student-created pinball machines. To wrap up the evening, the audience was treated to a stellar performance of “Talking to the Moon” performed by Kol Kaveret, The SAR High School Choir soloists Jonah P. and Margot M., along with pianist and Choir Director Rabbi Birnbaum, made the performance even more special. Reflecting on the evening Rabbi Birnbaum, commented, “It was a privilege to be able to highlight the talent of the students and faculty of SAR High School. Focusing on our school theme of Koach Hadibbur, the evening allowed us to highlight the power of art and music to communicate beyond just the use of words and that communication was powerful, beautiful and authentic. Yasher Koach and Kudos to all involved.”
