5th Annual Interfaith Gifts of Light Holiday Concert
Presented by the Centre for Arts & Culture at Holy Blossom Temple
Creating the Possible
Sunday, December 8, 4:00 pm
This year, we sing in harmony in support of Covenant House Toronto, the largest organization in Canada serving unsheltered or at-risk youth. Covenant House is inclusive, intentional, and impactful.
Generously Sponsored by Gillian & Steven Bookman
Building Bridges for Our Young Adults
With the onset of the holiday season, many young people look forward to family gatherings, festive meals and the warmth of being at home. Unfortunately, this is not true for all young people; many are in crisis every day, not just during the holiday season. Covenant House understands their need, they are dedicated to serving youth on the street and to protecting and safeguarding all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love.
We are privileged to partner with Covenant House, which provides a safe space for teens of all faiths, the music will reflect this same inclusivity and diversity. We hope to raise awareness of the plight facing many young adults and to help Covenant House provide these young adults with the solutions they need to survive.
To learn more about Covenant House Toronto click here
For a quick overview of Covenant House Toronto services click here
To make an additional donation to Covenant House click here
Featuring:
Canadian Children’s Opera Company
The Canadian Children’s Opera Company empowers young voices from diverse communities and abilities by providing transformative music education and professional performance opportunities The CCOC has a deep and rich history of providing exceptional music education and performance opportunities for young people from all walks of life.
Robbins Hebrew Academy Choir
Robbins Hebrew Academy prioritizes creating an environment of inclusivity, diversity and belonging. They strive to make each person feel valued and accepted, recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives that each individual brings. Through our focus on character education and the Jewish values of tikkun olam and menschlichkeit, we aim to develop ethical and compassionate Jewish leaders who will make a positive impact in the world. Together, we stand and grow towards a brighter future where everyone is welcomed and valued.
Ken Whiteley
Ken Whiteley has been playing folk, blues, gospel and other roots traditions at the highest level for well over fifty years. He has received many awards including a Canadian Folk Music Award, 7 Juno nominations, 18 Maple Blues nominations, a Genie Award (for Best Song in a Canadian Film) and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Mariposa Folk Festival, The Maple Blues Awards and Folk Music Ontario but ultimately for Ken his music is all about making connection. He loves to get people singing with him whether he’s on a concert stage, a folk festival, a church service or a yoga ashram. Visit his website to learn more
Kim Doolittle
A Songwriter, Storyteller, Musician, Wordsmith and Entertainer, Kim Doolittle has been performing since the age of 10 with guitar in hand.. A self-proclaimed Road Scholar, she writes from her experiences, and shares them through song. After spending many years in Toronto, she returned to her naitive Nova Scotia where she has reconnected with her roots. Visit his website to learn more
Julie Michels
Julie Michels was born in New Jersey and raised throughout Europe and the USA, before settling in Toronto, Canada. Her travels instilled a wanderlust not only for different countries, but for diversified cultures and distinct musical genres, all of which helped mold her career in music. Recently, Julie has focused on North American venues including the Toronto Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Merrickville Jazz Festival, Haitian International Jazz Festival, as well as stages throughout Canada and the United States. In 2017, she performed in Egypt at the Jazz Tales Festival in Cairo and in 2018 Julie performed in Alexandria with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra.
And special performances from our very own Cantor David Rosen and Cantorial Soloist Lindi Rivers, accompanied by our musician-in-residence, Jason Jestadt!