arts & culture
‘We Are Here’: Concert Featuring
Holocaust Songs to Debut at Carnegie Hall
Mike Wagenheim | JNS.org
T 22
JANUARY 12, 2023 | JEWISH EXPONENT
“We Are Here”: Songs from the Holocaust banner
the music of the Holocaust, but when
Ira started telling me what his mission
was and about the music, it completely
aligned with something that I was
passionate about, interested in and
already been researching,” explained
Savenor, who had recently taught a
course on Holocaust memoirs. “This
form of resistance is something that
really spoke to me. And it felt like
something really sacred that we needed
to commemorate.”
That meant, for Antelis, that the
concert was not to be held at Savenor’s
synagogue — one of the largest in the
United States — or at the Museum of
Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to
the Holocaust in Lower Manhattan. He
was insistent that the event takes place
at the famed Carnegie Hall in Midtown
Manhattan, even if it meant a signifi cant
amount of money came out of his own
pocket. The 7:30 p.m. concert at be held in
Carnegie’s Stern Auditorium on Jan. 26
will feature music and readings by more
than 30 stars and cantors, including
Tony and Grammy Award winners
and nominees Harvey Fierstein, Chita
Rivera, Shoshana Bean, Andrew Lippa
and Brenda Russell; pop stars Wendy
Moten and Justin Jesso; renowned
Cantors Daniel Mutlu, Danny Mendelson,
Rachel Brook and Yanky Lemmer; and
His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal
Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

‘A life of its own’
Antelis and Savenor say they have
been blown away by the immense
response, both in and outside the
Jewish community.

“The concert has really taken on a life
of its own,” said Savenor, who will host
what he termed as more of a communal
event. “It’s no longer a commemoration
of the past. The diversity, and the
music and the messaging, is really
being elevated and transformed
into a statement about confronting
discrimination today.”
Maddie Burton, a co-producer for the
concert, said that Dolan’s appearance,
in particular, is “refl ective of the fact
that it’s not just Jewish people who
are looking to take a stand against
antisemitism, that it really is this larger
cultural reaction to wanting to declare
loud and proud but that the Jews are
still here.”
With weeks left until the concert,
Burton said, “We are putting fi nishing
touches on the melodic and harmonic
choices that we’re making, and then we’ll
really ramp up rehearsals, working with
our full orchestra and getting all of our
performers together in the room.”
There is also outreach to be done with
the Jewish community and promotion to
fi ll the 2,800-seat auditorium. But Burton
said that the response so far from those
agreeing to take part in the event is
promising for its overall success.

“It wasn’t easy, per se,” he
acknowledged. But every single person
who signed on pretty emphatically said
this is something that they not only
want to, but need to, be part of.” 1
Courtesy he day Holocaust survivor and
Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel
died, composer and music
producer Ira Antelis said something
came over him. “I thought, who carries
on the message of the Holocaust?
Because in my life, he was the fi gure for
me. And I started just researching some
things about him,” Antelis said.

That endeavor led Antelis to a book
Wiesel wrote the forward to called “We
Are Here: Songs of the Holocaust,”
a collection of songs written in the
ghettos and concentration camps of
Nazi-occupied Europe. After locating
the songbook, Antelis decided to
organize a concert in his hometown of
Chicago, based on the music. It never
came to fruition due to the COVID-19
pandemic. But following the lifting of restrictions
and a decision by Antelis to relaunch
his eff orts, he searched online and
stumbled upon an article by Bret Werb,
staff musicologist at the United States
Holocaust Memorial Museum, called
“Fourteen Shoah Songbooks.”
“I said to myself: There’s a concert.

We’re going to do a concert on these
14 songbooks — one song from every
book, and honor the writers and people
who put the songbooks together,” said
Antelis, who produced the concert at
Temple Sholom Chicago in April in
conjunction with Yom Hashoah, the
annual Holocaust day of remembrance.

Determined to bring the concert to
New York, Antelis revived the pandemic-
era idea with an old Chicago friend,
Rabbi Charles Savenor, who serves as
director of congregational education at
Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue. The
two had a chance encounter in New
York 15 years after their last meeting
when Antelis presented Savenor with
his vision.

“I’m not musical at all. I can’t carry a
tune. I have no rhythm. I knew about



ADLER
FLORENCE (nee Sweet), 97, who re-
sided in Warwick, Pennsylvania and
formerly of Wyncote, Pennsylvania,
passed away peacefully on Wednes-
day December 28, 2022. She was the
beloved wife of the late Dr. Arthur P.

Adler. Florence (Flo) was born on Oc-
tober 24, 1925, to parents Nathan and
Sarah Sweet (nee Billig) in Newark,
NJ. After Florence graduated from
Weehauken High School in 1943, she
attended Rutgers, The State Univer-
sity. Florence started her career as
a photographer at Kresge-Newark
department store based in Newark,
NJ. She continued her career in tele-
vision at Pathe Pictures in New York
City, followed by her antique consult-
ing business. Florence was a devoted
wife and mother whose passion was
her children and grandchildren, espe-
cially her special-needs child, the late
Robert (Robbie) Adler. She played an
active role on the Woodhaven Center
Parents Committee for special-needs
individuals. She enjoyed spending
time with her family and friends, trav-
eling to the shore, watching Jeop-
ardy and CNN, solving cross-word
puzzles, interior design/architecture,
fashion and volunteering at the elec-
tion polls. She will be remembered
for her compassion, generosity, wit,
sense of humor, grace, strength and
intelligence. Florence is survived by
her daughter Jane Firestone, sons
Richard Adler and Michael Adler. She
is the cherished grandmother of Reed
and Avril and grandpups Zorro and
Daisy. In lieu of flowers, contributions
in Florence’s memory may be made
to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
(https://wish.org/philadesv). JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com ALGAZY
DR. KENNETH M. – Passed away on
December 31, 2022. Husband of Lor-
raine Algazy (nee Wagman). Father of
Jeffrey Algazy and Deborah (Joshua)
Fredberg. Brother of Robert Algazy.

Grandfather of Samantha, Sophie,
Alexis and Riley. Contributions in his
memory may be made to American
Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or
GBS/CIDP Foundation International,
www.gbs-cidp.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BENN SHIRLEY M. (nee Benen) on Decem-
ber 29, 2022. Beloved wife of the late
Samuel; Loving mother of Lois Cohen
(Kenneth) and Debbie Koffer (Perry).

Also survived by 5 grandchildren, 10
great-grandchildren, and one great
great-grandchild. Contributions in her
memory may be made to SPIN, 10501
Drummond Rd., Phila., PA 19154, www.

spininc.org or American Heart Assoc.,
PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284,
www.heart.org or Samaritan Ctr. at Mt.

Laurel, 3909 Church Rd., Mt. Laurel,
NJ 08054, www.samaritannj.org
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
CONN BLEZNAK
STUART GARY, 85, passed away
January 1, 2023. He was the son of
the late Lenora and David Bleznak.

Originally from Woodbury, NJ, he then
spent most of his life where he raised
his family in Elkins Park, PA. Earlier in
his career he built homes and for the
past 25 years was a residential real-
tor. Stu’s family was the light of his life
and he was absolutely adored by all
of them. He was such a special per-
son and will be terribly missed. He is
survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, of
62 years, his cherished sister Barbra
Goodfriend (Elliott, dec.), treasured
children, Susan Weisberg (Alan),
Joanie DeSalvo (Breen, dec.), David
Bleznak (Debby), adoring grandchil-
dren Samantha Hatt (CJ), Jamie Ritter
(Quinn), Max Bleznak, Jarrett Fuhs,
Sadi Bleznak and great grandson
Jackson Hatt. Stu will be remembered
for his infectious smile, kind heart, and
warmth toward those dear to him. In
lieu of flowers, contributions in his
memory may be made to the Mont-
gomery County SPCA. (Montgomery-
countyspca.org) GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
BOWES LEAH MELLMAN, on November 11,
2022, esteemed pianist and vocalist,
wife of the late Reginald Bowes; be-
loved mother of Kelly (Mark) Turner
of Rye, NY and Jim (Monique) Bow-
es of Amsterdam and three grand-
children; cherished sister of the late
Leonard Mellman; survived by sisters
and brothers: Rhoda Brown, Sharlyn
Weitz, Irvin (Judith) Mellman and Mi-
chael Mellman; devoted aunt to lov-
ing nieces and nephews and beloved
friend to many. From an early age,
she studied piano at The Settlement
Music School with Madame Simon
(Helene) Barere, who recognized and
developed her prodigious gifts. An
alumna of The Curtis Institute of Mu-
sic and student of Rudolf Serkin, she
was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship
for two years of piano study in Paris.

Recognized nationally and internation-
ally, she performed throughout Europe
and the United States. Contributions
honoring the memory of Leah Mellman
Bowes may be made to The Settle-
ment Music School, Philadelphia, or to
a charity of the donors’ choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
SYLVIA (nee Muderick), age 97,
passed away January 3, 2023. Be-
loved wife of the late Joffrey B. Conn,
Esq. Loving mother of Richard J.

Conn (Janet Belmont Conn), Bennett
Conn, and the late Jennifer Conn.

Adoring grandmother of Jason (Karen)
Conn, Emily (Jon) Gantman, Allison
(Josh) Kanter, and Jonathan Conn
and great-grandmother of Jack, Laila,
Ilana, Jeremy, Abigail, Zoe, and Ezra.

Contributions in her memory may be
made to SeniorLAW Center www.se-
niorlawcenter.org or to a charity of the
donor’s choice.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
FREED MARILYN L. (nee Selnick) on Janu-
ary 3, 2023. Beloved wife of the late
Edward; Loving mother of Marc Freed
(Claudia) and Jill Klazmer (Brian); Dear
sister of Trudi Helfand; Devoted grand-
mother of Jason (Jordana), Adam
(Molly), Erica, and Victoria (Xavier).

Also survived by 3 great-granddaugh-
ters. Contributions in her memory may
be made to Barrack Hebrew Academy,
272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
19010, www.jbha.org
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
GOLDSTEIN LIBBY (nee Cesler). January 2, 2023,
103 years of age, of Philadelphia,
Pa. Beloved wife of Walter. Devoted
mother of Marlene (Richard) Stern
and Simone Woodwell. Proud grand-
mother of Allison (Adam), David (Tri-
este) and great-grandmother of Ethan
and Oliver. The family requests that
contributions in her memory be made
to the American Heart Association or
the Jewish Federation of Greater Phil-
adelphia. JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com HEINEMAN
MARLENE (nee Rotman), January 2,
2023, of Bryn Mawr, PA; loving mother
of Janice Garnett (Theodore) and Ver-
na Swerdlow; cherished grandmother
of Miranda Garnett and Theodore
“Lucky” Garnett; sister of Phillip Rot-
man (the late Carol). In lieu of flowers,
contributions in Marlene’s memory
may be made to the American Lung
Association (lung.org).

JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS
www.levinefuneral.com HERRING
JOHN ALAN, M.D. - 81 - survived
by his beloved wife of 28 years Su-
san Herring (Perilstein); children Al-
lison Poster, Kate Hering, Samantha
Mandell, Geoffrey Mandell, Joshua
Mandell, and Nathan Mandell; six
grandchildren; and countless longtime
friends and mentees. His irreverent
sense of humor and trove of stories
will be forever missed by all who knew
him. John graduated from Hahnemann
Medical School in 1968 and special-
ized in Neurology and Psychiatry. Do-
nations in his memory should be sent
to Domino Service Dogs; 6505 West
Alameda Ave., Lakewood, Colorado
80226, Attention: Barbara Henry; or
dominoservicedogs.com. LAUREL HILL FUNERAL HOME
www.laurelhillphl.com LEFKOE
Barbara Lefkoe (nee Lomas), of
Warminster, died peacefully on De-
cember 6, 2022, in the presence of
her family. Loving mother to five chil-
dren – Paul (Barbra) Lefkoe, Bruce
(Sharon) Lefkoe, Dawn (Scott) Co-
hen, Tracey (Neil) Pelman and Wen-
dy (Matthew) Morris. Predeceased by
devoted husband, Arthur Lefkoe. Be-
loved grandmom to 11 grandchildren
- Adam (Inem), Jason (Jourdan), Eri-
ca (Stephen), Michael, Joshua, Allie,
Jared, Carson, Ryan, Drew, and Wes
and one adorable great-grandchild -
Cooper. Devoted sister to Manny and
Norman Lomas (both deceased), sis-
ters, Sarah Vegh, Franny Zonenstein,
Myrna Goldberg and Harriet Paley and
sister-in-law Trudy Lomas. She was
an admired matriarch who will be sadly
missed by many. Contributions in her
memory may be made to the Ameri-
can Lung Association or the Kenne-
dy Krieger Institute Neurodiversity at
Work Program.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
ROSENFIELD MICHAEL JAY, 60, of Collingswood,
New Jersey and formerly of Somers
Point, New Jersey passed away
on September 21, 2022 at home in
Collingswood. A longtime resident of
Somers Point, New Jersey, he attend-
ed local schools and was a graduate
of Stockton University with a BA De-
gree in Accounting and Business. Mr.

Rosenfield was a highly respected
accountant for the CSAA Insurance
Company. Surviving are his parents,
Alan and Ellen Rosenfield of Somers
Point, New Jersey; a sister Sarah De-
schane (Brian) and niece Elisabeth.

Services and Burial were private at the
request of the family. Contributions in
Michael's memory can be made to a
charity of the donor's choice.

RONSON SARA, 96-years-old, originally from
West Philadelphia, PA, but living in
Newark, DE with her daughters, Na-
dine Mandel and Jeri Mandel, died of
natural causes December 24, 2022.

Sara was previously deceased by her
parents, Philip and Lillian Freedman,
and her two sisters Gertrude and Edith
as well as her ex-husbands Louis
Mandel and Larry Ronson with whom
she remained friendly throughout their
lives. Sara enjoyed playing MahJongg
and Rummikub, reading, going to the
movies but, best of all, cooking and
baking for family and friends. She
volunteered at Golden Slipper Uptown
Home and was a member and officer
of the Jewish Y in Philadelphia and
was on her condominium’s board of
directors. In lieu of flowers, the family
requests donations be made in Sara’s
name to Kleinlife Community Center
or the Golden Slipper Uptown Home,
both in Philadelphia.

SOPIN HARRY “Hal” - On Dec. 222, 2022.

Husband of Marilyn (nee Weiner).

Father of Craig (Ruth) Sopin, Esq.

and Caren (Mitchell) Hartka. Brother
of Florence DeSouza. Grandfather
of Pamela (David) Miranda, Brooke
(Reid) Rosenthal, Carly (Louis) Gold
and Robert Sopin. Great grandfather of
Vivian, Arlo, Anna, Peri, Jade and Hana.

TULIP CAROL S. (nee Snider) on January 2,
2023. Beloved wife of the late Allen;
Loving mother of Steven Tulip (Amy),
Michael Tulip, and Mark Tulip (Kris-
tin); Devoted grandmother of Rachel
(Bradley), Lauren, Hannah, and Brett.

Contributions in her memory may be
made to Alzheimer’s Assoc., 399 Mar-
ket St., Ste. 250, Phila., PA 19106
GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
TURNOFF JOAN C. (nee Binnick) on January 4,
2023. Beloved wife of the late Howard
Turnoff. Loving mother of David (The-
resa Kim), Abby (Mitch Feinman) and
Andrea Turnoff; adoring grandmother
of Harrison, Drew, Hunter, Ellie and
Stella; cherished sister of Steven and
Alan (Frieda) Binnick. Joan grew up in
Upper Darby and then lived with her
family in North Miami Beach. She was
an avid tennis player and sang with
the Florida Philharmonic and with the
chorus at Temple Sinai. Contributions
in her memory may be made to the
American Cancer Society, to an orga-
nization seeking a cure for Parkinsons
or to any music foundation.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
WALLACK DIANE (nee Novack), January 3,
2023, of Marco Island, FL and Jen-
kintown, PA (snowbird until the end).

Happily summered for many years in
Longport, NJ. Adoring wife of Herbert
Wallack. Graduate of Temple Universi-
ty. Kindergarten and 1st grade teach-
er at Philadelphia’s Comly School for
30 years. An avid reader herself, she
was grateful to have had the opportu-
nity to teach so many children to read.

Diane’s beloved parents were Sylvia
and Paul Novack. She is survived by
four loving children - Richard Forman,
Judi Forman (Tom Dalton), Elise Miller
(Michael Miller), and Michael Wallack
(Per Philsgard). Proud grandmother
of three grandchildren - Joshua Miller,
Leah Miller and Tilly Forlack. In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be sent to
Unite For Her, www.uniteforher.org.

GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S
RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com
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