https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-am-hava-by-freda-lewkowicz-illustrated-by-siona-benjamin-book-launch-tickets-166514889517

Sun, November 21, 2021 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM GMT

I AM HAVA by Freda Lewkowicz, illustrated by Siona Benjamin - Book Launch

I AM HAVA; A SONG’S STORY OF LOVE, HOPE & JOY with author Freda Lewkowicz and illustrator, Siona Benjamin

In her own words, the world’s most joyful song invites you to celebrate. Clap, sing and dance into history with Hava Nagila as she journeys around the world.

I AM HAVA: A SONG’S STORY OF LOVE, HOPE & JOY is the story of Hava Nagila’s odyssey from its beginning as a niggun, a wordless opera of rejoicing sounds in Sadagora, Ukraine, to its present day iconic status spreading hope around the world.

While her journey began in the Ukraine, Hava soon settled in Israel. She was first sung with lyrics in 1918 at a concert in Jerusalem celebrating the defeat of the Turks by the British. Later she journeyed to North America where she helped the Jewish community forget their troubles, easing the pain and grief of World War 2. As an antidote to sorrow, she helped tune out the terror of events they could not control.

Today, as in Sadagora and the Holy Land, Hava Nagila celebrates life. At the Olympics. In sports arenas. In movies. At weddings and bar mitzvahs. Hava Nagila, meaning ‘come and rejoice,’ lifts everybody up and dazzles the world.

Siona Paints Hava, short video: "Renowned Indian-American Jewish artist, Siona Benjamin, discusses her thoughts about her debut picture book, I AM HAVA: A Song's Story of Love, Hope & Joy written by Freda Lewkowi