B’nai Sholom helps Ukraine with music and dance

— Photo by Benjamin Marvin

Phil Teumim, left, and Will Vail perform. Vail, director of Bethlehem Senior Services, has been referred to as the ”singing social worker.” Teumim will serve as master of ceremonies for the May 14 fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees.

B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany will host an evening of harmony and hope with inspirational music and international dance in a fundraiser to benefit the citizens of Ukraine on Saturday, May 21, in the synagogue at 420 Whitehall Road.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Featured performers will be premier acoustic duo Phil Teumim and Will Vail, klezmer group Der Kleiner Klezmer Orchestra, Gypsy jazz group Gadjo, and a concluding dance segment led by folk dance guide Joan Savitt.

All donations will be greatly appreciated and distributed to charities providing humanitarian aid to the millions of refugees in Ukraine and beyond.

“With this concert, we are sending hope on the wings of music to work toward a world where, in the words of the Prophets, ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,’” said Teumim in a release from B’nai Sholom.

Teumim, who also will serve as master of ceremonies, went on, “All donations will go to support the people of Ukraine and especially its longstanding Jewish community.”

Reservations are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome.

Current B’nai Sholom policy for attending events in person is that masks are strongly recommended regardless of vaccination status, though this is subject to change as the COVID situation continues to evolve.

For more information and to reserve, contact Phil Teumim: or 518-475-0239.

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