The Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills hosted the Greater Zion Church Family of Compton for its Shared Heritage Service during Shabbat on March 15, 2024, at the Saban Theater. You should have seen the Temple’s congregation rock!
Rabbi David Baron remarked, “The shared heritage service celebrates the struggle for freedom from enslavement. At this time of rising anti-Semitism, we reach out to our friends and neighbors and the African-American community for their support.”
The war between Israel and Gaza is a controversial and volatile topic but this event was about hope and how people of all faiths and ideologies can bring peace to the world.
Voices of Destiny
The 35-member black choir called “Voices of Destiny” comes from an area of Los Angeles that is significantly different from the affluent and privileged community of Beverly Hills. Yet, there are common denominators between both Jews and Blacks. Both have experienced prejudice, persecution, and rabid hate for centuries.
Dr. Michael Fisher, pastor of the Greater Zion Church Family remarked, “I always believe in unity. I believe that in a world so divided, it is necessary to participate in events like these where both the Black and Jewish communities can stand, hand-in-hand, advocating for support and solidarity.”
This evening was a reminder that we are stronger, together.
The Voices of Destiny Choir was named the National Winners of Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” choir Competition in 2010. It has appeared at Disney’s Annual Celebrate Gospel Event, the “Los Angeles Annual Taste of Soul” event, KTLA’s annual “A Gospel Christmas,” Black Entertainment Television’s “Celebration of Gospel,” “The Superbowl Gospel Celebration,” the NBA “All-Star Gospel Brunch, “Gospel Goes to Hollywood with Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Gospel Fest,” City of Carson’s “Annual Gospel Event and many more.
Even some of the most elderly of the Temple of the Arts congregation were up on their feet dancing and clapping.
Hamas Attack Survivor Speaks
Michel Ohana attended the Supermova Sukkot Gathering’s Music Festival on October 7th, 2023 near kibbutz Re’im in Israel. Early in the morning, 364 civilians who attended the festival were slaughtered. Many more were wounded, maimed, and raped by Hamas who came through the Gaza Strip.
Michel hid under a tank for seven hours but was shot three times. Fortunately, she escaped and survived. She spoke briefly from the pulpit, but as you can imagine, detailing the horrific attack and atrocities she witnessed in front of the audience was difficult.
The war in Gaza and the way it is being handled has caused deep division in the United States. It is a complicated and deeply depressing situation for all sides. But, one thing is clear, the hostages must be returned and peace and civility restored. We can only hope that will come to pass sooner than later.
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