2,000 at Sydney Gala Concert

More than 2000 people packed the Sydney Convention Centre for the Yeshiva Centre’s annual Gala Concert last Thursday.

The Yeshiva Centre’s Dean and spiritual leader, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, Head Shliach Of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to NSW, Australia opened proceedings with a moving prayer, followed by a video highlighting the work of the Yeshiva Centre – Chabad NSW HQ.

In attendance was a wide range of Rabbis, dignitaries and communal leaders, including the Israeli Ambassador and representatives from Federal, State and local Governments.

The first musical act of the night was eight-year-old piano prodigy Shuan Hern Lee, who dazzled the audience with his impressive musical talent.

Then it was time for the star of the show, Dudu Fisher, who looked like he owned the stage from the moment he stepped onto it.

Dudu held the audience captive as he performed an incredible array of musical styles.

Dudu sang some numbers in Yiddish, some in Hebrew, a touch of klezmer – and even some French!

But Dudu didn’t just sing. Proving to be the all-around entertainer, his stories of his family and his experiences were just as captivating as the songs. He explained why each song was special to him, making them so much more meaningful to hear.

The audience was particularly moved by the story of how he owes his life to Chabad. 80 years ago in Riga, Latvia, Fisher’s pregnant grandmother was told by doctors that her baby was a danger to her life and that she should abort it. She then went to the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe (who was living in Riga at the time) and he told her to keep the baby and blessed her that all will be well. Dudu is certain that if not for that blessing his mother would never
have been born.

In true Chabad style, all participants at the event were requested to fill out a Mitzvah card, pledging to do one more act of goodness and kindness to make this world a better place. Dudu led by example, talking about how the Mitzvahs that he has done have brought him blessings.

At this Concert he may have spoken a lot about his family, but by the end of the show Dudu Fisher’s family had grown by 2000 people!