An evening of harmony, healing and song

The National Council of Jewish Women Australia (NCJWA) recently held an evening of song and unity with over 80 women in attendance from across Victoria. The event, titled “From Voice to Song – An Evening of Harmony, Healing and Song”, follows a similar event held in Sydney in June last month.

In partnership with WIZO Victoria, Emunah Victoria, UIA Women’s Division and Unchain My Heart, the event was a reminder of the healing power of music, connection and community, bringing together a broad diversity of women from across the community.

“From ultra-Orthodox to secular, from school age children to older women, from those who have never sung before, to those familiar with choirs and singing, we were delighted so many women joined us. No singing experience was required; we came together to find joy and show our solidarity for each other through song,” NCJWA vice-president Liora Miller said.

Hosted by St Kilda Shule, the evening of song was led by choirmaster Isser Feiglin. Feiglin has previously led the Koolulam choir, a group that was formed soon after October 7, 2023. Together, attendees were taught the Hebrew song Latzet Medikaon, translated as “get out of depression”, a song of resistance released in early 2024 following the October 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel.

Originally written and performed by Israeli singer Yagel Oshri, the track has become a symbolic anthem of comfort and wartime reunion across the Jewish world.

Participants felt the event was a huge success, thanking those involved.

“Thank you to everyone involved. It was such a joyful, uplifting evening, and a wonderful reminder of the power of singing together. I hope this is the first of many,” one participant said.

“What a wonderful initiative. It was exactly what our community needed – a chance to pause, connect and leave feeling a little lighter.”

“Congratulations to everyone who made it happen,” another participant added.