Sukat Shalom Synagogue of Belgrade, Musical CD to Honor Eightieth Anniversary, Serbia
A concert was held in June 2006 to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the Sukat Shalom Synagogue of Belgrade. Sukat Shalom is the only remaining synagogue of five that existed in Belgrade before World War II and the only functioning synagogue in Serbia today. Over eight hundred people attended the concert (only about one hundred were from the Jewish community). The music was performed by Shira Ut’fila (Song and Prayer), a group formed in 2000 by Sukat Shalom’s cantor, Stefan Sablic, to preserve the disappearing tradition of Sephardic music of the Balkans, Mediterranean, and Middle East. Cantor Sablic and the synagogue’s rabbi, Isak Asiel, meet regularly with elderly rabbis who survived World War II in order to record the local cantorial traditions. The Shira Ut’fila ensemble is unique not only in the blend of western and eastern musical instruments but also in the multi-religious make-up of the musicians. Performing in the ensemble for the concert were four Jews, one Hindu, one Muslim, one Orthodox Christian Serb, and one Protestant. Targum Shlishi’s grant funded the printing and distribution of the concert cd. According to Rabbi Asiel, the concert was more than an opportunity to share the Jewish musical tradition – it was a means to promote dignity and respect among religions. “The message reiterated several times during the concert was that we should learn from the music to find a way to co-exist and respect one another. As we are able to share this musical tradition we must also share our lives on earth,” Rabbi Asiel reported.
National Council on Economic Education, General Support, New York
The National Council on Economic Education (NCEE) works with teachers nationwide to give students a better understanding of economics and personal financial decision-making. The organization promotes the teaching of practical economics as a core component of the curriculum to address serious deficits in students’ economic literacy.
The Shul of Bal Harbour, Various Programs, Miami
The Shul of Bal Harbour is a unique synagogue with a varied membership, ranging from experienced congregants to Jews just returning to or learning about their roots, to an active Sephardic component. Targum Shlishi has supported several projects at The Shul in recent years.
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, general support, New York
The JCC Manhattan is a vibrant center of communal life, which serves more than 12,000 members and thousands more who participate in the diverse cultural, educational, recreational, and Jewish Life programs. Established in 1990, the JCC in 2002 opened the doors of an eleven-story, state-of-the-art facility. Targum Shlishi has pledged five years of support (2004-2008) for the JCC’s Capital Campaign.
Trickle Up Program, General Support, New York
The Trickle Up Program provides seed capital and business training to launch small businesses to low income people across the globe. Founded in 1979, the program has started more than 135,000 businesses in over 120 countries.