Exclusive interview with "Inside Our Home" Editor, Chava Yelloz

Lev LaLev applauds Varsity Jews, Toronto’s A Capella Choir, a group of 18 students who raised funds for the girls in Netanya at a benefit concert performance on April 1st. The choir sang their hearts out for an audience of more than 200, resonating their repertoire of traditional Hebrew songs.

In January, Lev LaLev’s office in Monsey, N.Y. received a very warm and friendly e-mail from a soprano and an alto. These two young ladies, Davida Ander and Rena Ashton are also concert coordinators for the Varsity Jews Choir.

Lev La Lev’s Office Manager and graphic designer, Chavi Lieberman worked closely with Davida, providing her with promotional materials to advertise the concert.  See the attractive and very professional poster used to promote the event right here. These posters were placed in the University area’s restaurants, pizza shops and also in local synagogues.

This season, the choir consists of (see their names below)  –  University students and community members. Not only do the Varsity Jews perform at public venues, but they are also are for hire – singing at events such as bar and bat mitzvahs. They also can he heard at festivals for the general public alongside other A Capella groups from around the world.  Besides singing Hebrew favorites, the VJs also have fun with parodies composed from English pop music.

Davida explained to Lev LaLev that the Choir does a charity concert annually and that this year, they did an open internet search to find a good cause and came across Lev LaLev. After she and Rena wrote a summary of the Home’s services and the girls they serve in Netanya, Israel, the group did a vote. The girls at the Rubin-Zeffren Children’s Home were to benefit from this year’s concert proceeds. The event was attended by a mix of the general public and family members and friends of the choir.

Davida feels a strong connection to the Land of Israel, having traveled there four times. She tells us that many of the choir members have also been to Israel, although not as a group, just individually. She adds that some of the choir attended Jewish days schools, while others have not yet, she says “…it’s the music that brings everyone together – yes, and the Varsity Jews do feel connected to Israel.”

Lev LaLev thanks this A Capella singing group for their hard work, their professionalism, and dedication to make the April concert a great success. And, when any of them visit Israel, it would be a great joy to have them visit the Home in Netanya.

The Varsity Jewish Choir is privately funded.