Thanks to a new initiative coordinated by the Yeshivat Noam Parents Association, the Yeshivat Noam community gathered together to celebrate the arts. Students who play an instrument performed in an ensemble together, both the elementary and middle school choirs sang, poetry was recited and art was presented.

According to Rachel Langer, a Yeshivat Noam parent and event committee member, the event was beautiful and meaningful for the students. “These students are talented and dedicated to their music but too often playing an instrument is isolating and lonely. The rehearsals and practicing collaboratively gave each musician the excitement and experience of being part of something larger, a true ensemble of music. Under the direction of Elise Carter, who is the director of Flute Choir Day and president of the New Jersey Flute Society, the students were inspired to practice regularly and they performed beautifully together.”

The co-presidents of the YNPA, Jennie Mohl and Cindy Forgash, founded the event to showcase student talent. According to Mohl, “It is important to share the amazing talent of musicians, poets and artists since they are often not recognized in a school setting.”

According to one of the event organizers, and Yeshivat Noam parent, Bena Schwartz, “There were great art workshops throughout the event led by Stefanie Diamond of Stefanie Diamond Photography and Elana Kessler, who is a Yeshivat Noam early childhood morah and gives private and group art classes.”

There were many aspects of performing and fine art highlighted during the event. The elementary school choir is made possible through a generous grant by the Yeshivat Noam Parents Association and conducted by Morah Adina Mermelstein. The middle school choir is conducted by Yeshivat Noam parent Ellen Tilem. The art galleries, all depicting artistic representations of Adar, were created by students under the leadership of Yeshivat Noam art teacher, “Morah Lea” (Ksenija) Pecaric.

The evening was a tremendous success for all those who attended and especially for the Yeshivat Noam students who had the opportunity to share their tremendous talent with a grateful audience.