By Mark Wagman, Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth’s V.P. Community Affairs
Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth is presenting Café Tamar, an exciting program of music and dance in celebration of Israel’s 77th birthday, on Monday, May 26 at 6:30 PM in the Siegel JCC auditorium. The program is dedicated to the memory of beloved community leader Ann Jaffe, z”l.
Ann was a Holocaust survivor and educator who was devoted to sharing her personal experience and the lessons we can learn from it. She lectured in public and private schools, universities, and churches. Ann loved Israel, which she showed in part by singing with the AKSE choral group in Café Tamar for many years. Several of her children and grandchildren have also performed in Café Tamar.
Ann continues to be part of Café Tamar in a quite tangible way. This year we will be using Ann’s beautiful piano for the first time in the concert. The Jaffe family donated her piano to Albert Einstein Academy for their music program, at the same time fulfilling AKSE’s need for a piano at the annual Café Tamar concert in the Siegel JCC auditorium next door to Einstein.
Steve Gonzer, former chair of the Holocaust Education Committee, will present a short tribute based on his many years working closely with Ann. A duet of vocalists will sing “For Good” from the musical Wicked in Ann’s honor. Its message embodies Ann’s life and philosophy, that she was saved for a reason, and that kindness and goodness must triumph. Ann also loved and taught Yiddish, so of course there will be a Yiddish song in the program.
This year’s theme, “To Build and Be Built” (in Hebrew Livnot u’Lehibanot), expresses the resilience, optimism, and work ethic that is so characteristic of Israel and the Jewish people, even as they face enormous challenges. This same spirit characterized Ann Jaffe’s life. Café Tamar this year also takes place on Yom Yerushalayim, marking 58 years since the reunification of Jerusalem. The Café Tamar program will include uplifting and upbeat dances, songs, and instrumental music.
Café Tamar this year includes regular, returning, and new performers. Professionals Eliezer Gutman (violin) and Lotus Cheng (piano) will again share their extraordinary musicianship. Other featured performers include violist Juliana Castillo and vocal soloists Talia Goren, Cantor Yehoshua Redfern, Cindy Goldstein, and Becky Kotsifas, as well as the Notables vocal ensemble. The AKSE dance group will present both new and classic Israeli folk dances.
BOX:
CAFÉ TAMAR
Monday, May 26 at 6:30 PM
Siegel Jewish Community Center
101 Garden of Eden Rd., Wilmington, DE
Admission: $12 with advance payment by May 21,
$15 at the door, $5 for children 6 to 12
Advance orders online at akse.wufoo.com/forms/cafe-tamar-2025
or contact 302-762-2705 or office@AKSE.org
