Ohr Natan, a distinguished Rego-Park-based beit knesset and community center led by Rabbi Nahum Kaziev, welcomed more than 100 young ladies to a magnificent Chanukah celebration hosted by Orot, the shul’s girls and young women division. Launched last summer, Orot continues strong on its mission of providing the Jewish community with programs specifically geared towards high school and college-age girls, undertaking a much-needed communal service.
Held on the first night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 18, the tables were festively decorated in black and gold, the evening’s theme colors, overshadowed by an oversized sign announcing, “Orot’s Got Talent.” An elegant red carpet was strewn across the hall, making each guest feel like royalty. Sold out days prior, the women attending indeed felt lucky to be one of the fortunate to attend.
The festivity featured delicious Japanese cuisine provided by Sushi Kingdom in Kew Gardens Hills, a photo booth, DJ Reuven performing live, enthusiastic dancing, profound divrei Torah, and a lively Chinese auction with exciting raffle packages. But, the highlight of the event was Orot’s Got Talent, an in-house talent show that wowed every attendee. The program featured 11 contestants in six acts, varying from song and dance to comedy. The contenders were vying for a grand prize of $300 in cold, crisp cash to one first-place victor!
We recognize the participants: The Glowing Stars – the Izrailov sisters; Mr. and Mrs. Air – Adina Sachmechi and Avigael Davoudi; The Tichauer Girls; Viola Haimov; Ariella Yakubov; and Diana Murdakhayev. The show was proud to welcome three special guest judges for the occasion: Tzivia Kay, a talented singer and songwriter, actress, producer, and performer only for women and girls; Yocheved Dekhkanov, a physician assistant, well-known public speaker, and founder and cohost of the Let’s Talk Show; and Leah Siyonov, a teacher, entrepreneur, and founder and owner of Glamour Gowns, a local special occasion tz’nius gown rental service. Those gathered were ecstatic to witness Tzivia perform one of her amazing original songs on the red carpet.
The contest was conducted in the popular style of America’s Got Talent, with each contestant having an interview with a judge, and the team of judges offering their opinion, post-act. However, the experts were not the only ones voting for their favorite act. Each audience member received a unique QR code, and a limited amount of time to cast a vote for their preferred as best overall act, ultimately awarding talented dancer Viola Haimov the first-place trophy. Viola admirably announced her noble intention to use the cash prize for the purchase of tz’nius Shabbos dresses.
A special shout-out is extended to Adina Siyonov and Miriam Kaziev, founders of Orot, for organizing and executing such an exciting and fun-filled party! Stay tuned for the next Orot special event!
