The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 26
The Harmony of Healing: Transforming Lives Through Music
By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner
Music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to transform lives. That belief is at the heart of Hadassah’ s Harmony of Healing campaign, an initiative that began this summer to support music programs at Hadassah’ s Youth Aliyah villages in Israel, Meir Shfeyah and Neurim.
At these villages, music is more than an extracurricular activity-- it’ s a lifeline. Many students arrive from Ukraine, Russia, and conflict-affected areas of Israel carrying invisible wounds. Many of these young people have lost homes, family members, and any sense of normalcy. Others are new immigrants adjusting to life in a new country. Some don’ t even speak Hebrew when they arrive. But there is one language they all understand-- music.
What Are the Youth Aliyah Villages?
Since 1934, more than 300,000 young people from 80 countries have graduated from Hadassah’ s Youth Aliyah program. Founded to rescue Jewish children from Nazi Germany, the residential programs continue to provide safety, education, and hope to immigrants, at-risk youth, and teens who need to heal.
The two Youth Aliyah villages provide a full spectrum of support including housing, nutritious meals, counseling, and a quality education with classes in Hebrew, Jewish heritage and traditions, the arts, and athletics. Classes and activities are designed to provide students with a toolkit of skills, so they can lead a productive, successful life once they leave the village. For many, the music programs are where transformation truly begins.
At Neurim, located along Israel’ s Mediterranean coast, there are more than 300 students. The village’ s celebrated Village Choir offers a sense of belonging and harmony.
At Meir Shfeyah, in northern Israel, the connection to music runs deep. The school’ s strong instrumental music program teaches students to play instruments and perform in its orchestra, as well as in its renowned Mandolin Orchestra that gives concerts throughout Israel. The campus features an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the rolling hills, where students can share their music with the community.
This summer, Hadassah Southern Seaboard region’ s co-presidents, Rebecca Young and Diane Bisgaier, announced the Harmony of Healing program at the Hadassah Charlotte Metro Membership Tea. Hadassah women raised more than $ 2,000 for the music program. The campaign runs through December 9, with a goal of raising $ 20,000. Gifts raised will provide instruments, music, and equipment, professional instruction and mentorship, and support for the student choir and orchestra performances.
During a Hadassah trip to Israel in late October, the four regional presidents from the Super South region, Rebecca Young, Diane Bisgaier, Paula Zucker, and Jill Weinstein, visited both Youth Villages. They witnessed firsthand how music is transforming lives.
Their first stop after leaving the airport was Hadassah Neurim. The presidents participated in hands-on activities and had lunch with students and staff. Over the next few days they visited the Hadassah hospitals and met with doctors and nurses in the Hadassah Medical Organization. On their final day in Israel, they visited Meir Shfeyah youth village. The women toured the music studio and met with some of the music students, both in the studio and later at dinner, where they had more time for conversation and connection.
The students in Hadassah’ s Youth Aliyah villages have endured more than most of us can imagine. Music can help them heal. For additional information about the Harmony of Healing campaign, go to https:// bit. ly / SuperSouthHarmonyofHealing.
Upcoming Events
Another way to support the Harmony of Healing campaign is to join us for Hadassah Game Day on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p. m. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of games, snacks, door prizes to benefit the music campaign. Bring your friends and your favorite game. Register on our website.
Monthly Happenings Come to Hadassah Wine &
Schmooze on Dec. 2 at 7 p. m. at
Vintner Wine Market in the Arboretum. Join us the first Tuesday of every month.
Short Story Discussion Group will meet on Friday, Dec. 12 at 11:45 a. m. on Zoom to discuss“ Boundaries” by Ilene Raymond Rush in the book“ Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.”
The next Hadassah CLT Metro Board meeting is Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p. m. in person or on Zoom.
Join Hadassah BookTalk on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p. m. on Zoom to discuss“ What We Will Become: A Mother, a Son, and a Journey of Transformation” by Mimi Lemay.
Interested in joining Hadassah?
Contact Membership VP Laurie Sheinhaus at the phone number or email below or attend one of our events.
Our website, www. hadassahcltevents. org, has details and links for our events. If you need additional information, email HadassahCLT @ gmail. com or call( 980) 553-1880. Be sure to follow us on Facebook( Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram( Hadassah Charlotte Metro).