Shaloh House in Stoughton

Presents

The second annual

Greater Boston Family Day
&
Jewish Music Festival

A Joyous Day of Music, Culture and Friends

Whether one referred to "the Second Annual Greater Boston Family Day & Jewish Music Festival" by its official title, or with the local media title "The Blue Hills, Alive with The Sound of Music," it really didn't matter to the many loyal fans of Jewish music and culture who showed up despite the miserable weather. The event, which was organized by Shaloh House of Stoughton, took place in the rain, on Labor Day, September 2, 2002, at the beautiful Prowse Farm at the foot of the Blue Hills in Canton.

Despite the more or less steady precipitation, more than 600 people paid admission to experience the Jewish music, vendors, arts and crafts, and food. "It was very inspiring to see so many people turn out in this inclement weather. I am certainly glad we decided not to cancel the event," said Rabbi Gurkow, Executive Director of Shaloh House. "These hardy souls who braved the elements to partake in the festivities made the many months of difficult preparations worthwhile. It was a shame that the inclement weather held attendance figures down significantly from the approximately 6,000 guests at last year's festival, but I think all in attendance would agree that this year's event was a wonderful success for the Greater Boston Community."

The music began with the original and heart warming melodies of Steve Meltzer and Noam Katz. Daniel Gil from Sharon and his band provided the next act using creative instrumentation and their unique sounding musical compositions. The third musical treat of the day, the Kadima Band, motivated the audience to clap, dance, and sing with their classic and upbeat Judaic and Klezmer tunes. The grand finale of the musical portion of the event was provided by the world renowned Safam group, who inspired the crowd with their emotionally moving masterpieces.

Children of all ages were busy participating in the many Judaic art projects offered at the crafts area. Many of these activities were specially geared to the upcoming Jewish Holiday season. "It was rewarding to be able to offer education and culture in such a relaxed atmosphere," said Andrea Dovner, coordinator of the craft area. "Our goal was to introduce people to the magnificent heritage Judaism has to offer through music and art. I think, at the end of the day, everyone who attended had a greater appreciation of our religion and culture."

Preparing for the festival was a complicated project that was implemented over the last 12 months. Many hundreds of hours of hard work went into the planning. It would not have been nearly as successful without the dedication of the coordinators and the many volunteers.

Shaloh House acknowledges the contribution of each and every one of the approximately 100 member volunteer and paid staff. Each person--from those who were flipping hamburgers, to the assistants gluing art projects to the admissions and parking attendants to the security personnel--all contributed to the overall success of the event.

One of the best aspects of the event was having it at Prowse Farm. Under the helpful and friendly guidance of the Friends of Prowse Farm--Harvey Robbins, Leo Waters, and Peter Pineo--Shaloh House of Stoughton was able to assure another high quality community production.

Of course, many thanks must be given to the Board of Directors of Shaloh House, who individually and collectively invested countless hours in the weeks and months leading up to the festival. "This affair showed us all how devoted a group we have at Shaloh House," said Gerry Dovner, President of Shaloh House and co-organizer of the event. "The people working with us have been as committed and dedicated as I have ever seen."

"I was very pleased with the way this all turned out," said Howard Epstein, Vice President of Shaloh House and co-organizer of the event. "Due to the rain and other complications, it could have been a disaster, but thank G-D it all worked out for the best."

The event was hosted by guest Emcee Mark Snyder, of "Entertainment Minute" at WMJX FM, WBOS FM, and WROR FM. Mark skillfully "ran the show." He introduced the music, filled in all the blank spots, and also ran a trivia contest complete with awards for the winners.

A special greeting was given by Dr. Hilel Newman of the Israel Consulate in Boston. Dr. Newman provided us with a prayer that we should see calm and security in the Middle East. There were also Israel information booths, providing suggestions on how to make a difference in bringing stability to the land of Israel.

In this time of world turmoil, this event helped provide an opportunity for everyone who attended--Jews and non-Jews of all denominations--to have a day to come together without a political agenda, and just enjoy all that the Jewish culture has to offer.

Also, special credit and thanks was given by Howard Epstein to the people of Executive Protection International, who did a superb job in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police and local police authorities in making certain the security of all who attended.

Gerry Dovner thanked the sponsors of the event and urged all to support them. "Without the generous backing of the many corporate sponsors, community groups, local businesses, and individuals, this event would never have taken form."

The corporate sponsors of the event were: The Irving & Mamie Albert Children's Lending Library at Shaloh House, American Auto Transporters, BC Tent & Awning, Expo Image, It's Party Time, J & E Baking Corporation, New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Progressive Asset Management, Reebok International, Rentals Unlimited, Roblin Insurance Company, Rodman Ford & Lincoln Mercury, Unlimited Bag and Supply, and Vermont Pure Water.

The community sponsors of the event were: Chabad of Merrimack Valley, Chabad of Wellesley-Weston, Congregation Eitz Chaim of Sharon, Shaloh House Dayschool & Jewish Russian Center, Temple Chayai Shalom of Easton, Temple Shalom of Milton, and Young Israel of Sharon.

"To sum it all up, I think people are already looking forward to next Labor Day and the Third Annual Greater Boston Family Day & Jewish Music Festival!" said Rabbi Gurkow.