The Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov/ Ohr Eliyahu (YAYOE) Boys’ Choir performed at the Garden of Palms Jewish home for the aged on March 11, just before Purim.  This was not only a performance of music but also of Chesed for after boys sang their six songs they distributed Hamantashen and spoke to the members of the audience establishing a special connection between our younger and our older generations.

The twenty-six member choir is directed by Rabbi Yitzchak Golbart who rehearses the choir during the after school as part of the Enrichment Program.  Rabbi Golbart said the parents are so happy that their sons have the opportunity to bring choral music experiences into their lives and to be able to share their gifts with the community. One parent said watching the boys and the relationship between them and the audience brought her to tears.  A woman there who has both parents living at the Garden of Palms said she wished this could be done each week because it was so good for her them; it was a very meaningful morning.

Rabbi Goldberg, the Menahel of YAYOE, offered a wonderful introduction of the Choir and a powerful drash about Purim and music.  In preparation for the Rabbi Goldberg encouraged the boys to speak to the residents and ask about them. One could see in the sparkling eyes of each of the residents who attended the performance and spoke to the boys.

Thanks go to Mrs. Shelly Fenig who provided the individually wrapped Hamantashen, to all of the parents who transported and chaperoned the boys and to the staff of the Garden of Palms;  all made the event possible and successful.