Pictured Above: A popular community band, RJ2, performing at SBH's Many Thanks Concert. 

On Tuesday night, Aug 29, Sephardic Bikor Holim held their second Annual Many Thanks concert. Appropriately named, this event celebrates being grateful for the SBH organization and thanking Hashem, in general, everyday. Although last year's event was for ages seventeen and up, this year SBH opened its doors to family members of all ages.

The concert is in memory of two young community members who were lost too soon, Jeffrey J. Cohen A”H and Danielle Antar A”H. The show was originally planned to be hosted in the backyard of Jamie and Ricky Cohen’s Jersey home but but due to inclement weather, the concert was moved to the DSN community center.

Food served at the Many Thanks Concert.

This night of inspiration and gratitude was kicked off with a barbecue as well as a magician doing tricks for a crowd of eager and interested children. They served a wide variety of food which all attendees greatly enjoyed throughout the night. Sodas and water were readily available and rainbow Italian ices were served in squeeze cups as well.

A child interacting with the magician at the beginning hours of the event.

During this busy time before the show began sweatshirts, t-shirts, water bottles, and hats were being sold with the Many Thanks logo along with RJ2 CDs and other keepsakes. The vibe of the crowd was positive and spirits high as families began to take their seats for the show.

Murray Zalta performing at the Many Thanks Concert.

The opening band consisted of Murray and Jeffrey Zalta, Jason Shweky and Ezra Erani. They opened with the song Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran. Murray the band’s lead singer, informed the crowd that he was supposed to perform at last years Many Thanks concert. Unfortunately, it was scheduled on his first day of chemotherapy and he regrettably was not able to make it. However, with many thanks to Hashem, SBH invited him back this year and he was gladly able to stand up and perform for this meaningful night.

Murray Zalta (second from left) and his band mates after their performance.

Following their rocking performance were guest speakers Charles Anteby and Cheri Srour. Srour started out as a volunteer for SBH when she was thirteen and worked with the organization for years. Little did Srour know, she would one day be on the receiving end of SBH’s hesed.

At 18 years old, Cheri was diagnosed with an autoimmune neurological disorder that put her in a wheelchair, the first phone call she made was to SBH. They were there for her when she needed them the most. Their help, however, was not limited to Cheri’s new physical needs. SBH also pushed her to get back into volunteering. Srour doubted herself to be capable of volunteering at the time due to her physical state, but SBH helped her regain her confidence.

“SBH didn’t just bring me back to life, they gave me a reason to live,” explained Cheri, “and for that I am grateful.”

Cheri lives every day to the fullest with her famous mantra: #BecauseICan.

Up next was a musical performance by RJ2, a popular community band, featuring special guests DJ Cohen, Abraham J Franco, and Arty Shweky. This touching and energized performance had the audience on their feet dancing and singing along.

DJ Cohen cheering on the show.

DJ Cohen is a husband, father of three, a beloved friend to all who know him. He was diagnosed with cancer and is able to keep his spirits high regardless. DJ expresses his gratitude to Hashem for each day he gets to spend with his family and friends. DJ’s positive energy flowed out of him and into the audience throughout his performance.

“Many Thanks is many things to many people,” explained DJ, “to me, it is a way to say thank you to Hashem, the doctors, nurses, SBH, the Cancer Center, family, friends, and everyone else we have been blessed to have in our lives.”

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.