The very special nature of Ezra Cornman A”H inspired friends and family members to join together on Lag Ba’Omer to remember him and to support the Ezra Cornman A”H Bar Mitzvah Fund. The “One Community, One Voice” concerts—one for the men and one for the women—featured some of our community’s most talented singers, including many from Magen David Yeshivah, where Ezra had been a student. The students performed the “Let it Go Song,” written by Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath and the WeMDY committee. Together, all the gifted performers energized the audience in unity and strength.
The “Let it Go” music video focused on Ezra’s life-altering trait of “letting it go,” a quality often evident in his interaction with family and friends. He lived to teach others to “let it go,” understanding that the most essential component of increasing joy is to move forward and let go of past hurt or disappointment. Within our community, the members of the Cornman family stand as role models to do just that.
The Cornman family would like to thank everyone who gave of themselves to make these events possible. “Ezra touched so many people, and we hope others will continue in his way. The money raised has helped put smiles on so many boys’ faces,” said one family member. “Since the fund was established, it has sponsored 22 bar mitzvah boys, and we hope to support hundreds more.” The Ezra Cornman, A’H, Bar Mitzvah Fund provides bar mitzvah boys with tefillin and a bar mitzvah suit.
One by one, the amazingly talented singers wowed the guests with meaningful songs, each specifically chosen to help inspire us to do mitzvot in a continuing effort to raise Ezra’s neshama (soul). Songs such as “I’ll Be There,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “Someone’s Watching Over Me” fit beautifully into this stirring genre. Grade school performers shared the stage with seasoned veterans. This wonderful fusion was perfectly exemplified when Sherry Halabi sang a duet with her young daughter and when Steven Chera belted out “Stand by Me” with Benjamin Kraiem as if they had performed together for years.
Kudos to Directors Sheila Shweky, Sheila Mizrahi and Monique Chera for organizing and arranging such a vast array of talent. Thank you to Michelle Hazan, Nicole Oved, and Elka Chemtov who did an outstanding job on the food and décor, to Merlene Esses, Muriel Mizrahi, Shelly Nahmoud and Carol Tawil, for their help with the auction, to Linda Haddad Hidary for visualizing the entire concept, to Kelly Yedid for her input, to the tireless Chinese Auction committee, and to all the volunteers who helped make this program possible. We hope to see you again next year, as the foundation plans to make this an annual event!
Mrs. Caroline Cornman expressed her gratitude stating, “Thank you to the entire community for your compassion and love. The concert was a huge success in perpetuating Ezra’s legacy. He continues to unite the community as Hacham Yaacov Kassin (my grandfather) always wanted. Please take on a mitzvah Lelul Nishmat Ezra ben Carmella to help elevate Ezra’s neshama.”
To support Ezra’s mission and participate in this wonderful mitzvah visit Ezra Cornman Foundation on Facebook. For further information or to get involved in working with the foundation, please email CarolineCornman@gmail.com.
Randi Shomer, photos courtesy of Mark Greenberg and Lawrence Goetz
