Music for a cause: Gil Shohat, Tali Ketzef to perform Hanukkah benefit concert

Pianist, composer, and conductor Gil Shohat and soprano Tali Ketzef will perform “Viva La Diva,” a celebration of women in music, at the Herzliya Cultural Group’s annual Hanukkah charity concert on December 7 at the Weil Center in Kfar Shmaryahu. Net proceeds will benefit Leket Israel.

The duo will premiere one of their newest programs, featuring popular operatic arias alongside favorites associated with more recent composers and singers.

Shohat, whose career has included leading the IDF Chamber Orchestra, will be joined by Ketzef, who performs with the Israeli Opera and in productions abroad.

The concert will be dedicated to the memory of Werner Bachmann, a founder and former chairman of the Herzliya Cultural Group, honoring his contribution to the organization.

The group began about 15 years ago as a small Bible study class. A decade ago, it expanded into a registered nonprofit presenting lectures on a wide range of subjects, primarily for English speakers in Israel.

It has presented more than 500 lectures by over 150 speakers, attracting more than 50,000 viewers. Guests have included the late authors Amos Oz and AB Yehoshua, as well as politicians, journalists, ambassadors, professors, rabbis, and entrepreneurs.

The Herzliya Cultural Group has donated over NIS 150,000 to charitable causes

With more than 1,000 people on its mailing list, the group has donated over NIS 150,000 to charitable causes.

Leket Israel, the country’s national food bank, rescues surplus fresh produce and cooked meals that would otherwise go to waste and distributes them through nonprofit partners to people in need throughout Israel.

Its work addresses both hunger and food waste, providing nutritious food regardless of recipients’ religion or ethnic background.

The Weil Center is at 4 Ha-Note’a Street, Kfar Shmaryahu. A reception begins at 7:15 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets cost NIS 250 and are available at eventbuzz.co.il/sfpbe