Benny Friedman and IDF Cantor Uplift Crowd in S. Paulo

Over 1,000 men, women and children filled the beautiful Memorial Da America Latina theater in S. Paulo, Brazil for an evening of solidarity and music.

Rabbi Dovid Weitman set the tone for the evening as he addressed the crowd, explaining that although we might feel like this is no time for Simcha, it is specifically joy and achdus that have the ability to burst past any barrier.

The evening was hosted in support of Ten Yad Brazil, an organization led by Rabbi Berel Weitman that tackles hunger in the Jewish community in Brazil. With the help of their hundreds of volunteers, they prepare over 1,500 meals every single day for those in need.

“We wanted to do something truly special to bring all of S. Paulo together,” Weitman told COLlive. “Baruch Hashem we sold out every single seat in the theater.”

The show was produced by Chaim Zippel, and included a large local band led by famed musical director Nochi Krohn.

Chief Cantor for the IDF, Colonel Shai Abramson led the crowd in a soul-stirring Mi Shebeirach for the IDF and perek 121 of Tehillim, before joining chassidic superstar Benny Friedman for a pair of duets.

The crowd enjoyed a spectacular performance by Benny Friedman, who was just kicking off his “Am Yisrael Chai Tour”, aiming to bring simcha and achdus to yidden in smaller communities who don’t typically get to enjoy concerts.

One of the show highlights featured a choir of kids from Camp Gan Israel Brazil, led by local singer Aron Nasser, who joined Benny Friedman and Shai Abramson for a beautiful performance of Acheinu.

The evening also included remarks from Rabbi Doron Perez whose son is currently being held hostage in Gaza, Israeli Consul General Rafael Erdreich, Ten Yad’s President Moises Nigri, and Director Rabbi Berel Weitman.

“My phone has not stopped buzzing since the show from people expressing their gratitude and amazement,” Weitman said. “We are grateful to the amazing production team for pulling off such an incredible evening.”