Testimonials

"Today’s most unsolved problems come from the question: how freely am I allowed to express myself? Being a second generation of Holocaust survivors, the fear tormented me between obligation to speak up in the name of vanished families, and selfish need to forget and carry on with my life. If I speak, it can endanger the third generation. If I remain silent the evil can happen again. Limmud is a step forward: let’s learn and solve problems together. It is a comprehensive work. Closing section was your music. Sitting in the last row, I was grabbed by your energy, by the energy of your artistry, skill and knowledge, by recognizable tradition of my ancestors. Elated by music I was instantaneously released of all fears, even of my old age. Singing and dancing I was purified and rejuvenate. I am grateful not only for your artistry, but most of all for your frankness. This can not be faked. You bonded us, picked the loose ends, and made us happy. Thanks!"

Ružica Galac Popović

Limmud Conference in Subotica, Serbia, November 2008

"2 words: Simply amazing!"

"The energy, the emotions, the atmosphere… The Shuk made us feel like family at the concert in Limmud Keshet Ex-Yu-Subotica… Singing and dancing just few feet away from the stage, feeling together… with songs, with the band, and with Israel.


Your music was so appealing even to those that have never heard any Jewish music before. We will all remember that waiter who was so touched by the music that he joined us in his uniform the moment his shift was over, dancing and applauding with all the heart.


Keep bringing amazing Israeli sounds to the World! You have my love and support all the way!"

Neshikot
Malka Simic, Belgrade

"The Flemington Jewish Community Center in Flemington, NJ had the privilege and pleasure of hearing The Shuk perform at a Havdala service. As the FJCC’s rabbi I think I can speak for the entire congregation in saying that the performance was wonderful:the singers were 1st rate, the variety of different music was impressive, and all was done with great ruach. The performers truly connected with their audience an audience that had varying levels of knowledge of and familiarity with the music. I appreciate also the fact that The Shuk is trying to bring their music to those communities throughout the world that might not otherwise have exposure to this music sung and performed on such a high professional level.
The Shuk is to be applauded for their efforts and for bringing their gifts to our c"

Rabbi Evan Jaffe
Flemington Jewish Community Center
Flemington, New Jersey, USA

"I had the opportunity to meet all members of the Shuk when they preformed and played in our congregation, Kehilat Ra'anan, Ra'anana, Israel - both on the evening of Purim - during the reading of the Megila, and on various occasions for the prayer service welcoming in Shabbat (kabbalat Shabbat). They are the best! - full of energy that gets out there to everyone. Even the more set-in- their ways in our community were impressed, not to mentions the younger set - teens and young parents. But most important was the feeling the members of our community that they are really 'doing prayer' and blending in with the service rather than just performing.Spirituality is what all three players are about...that is what makes them different and it comes across!"

Rabbi Tammy Kolberg
Kehilat Ra'anan Ra'anana, Israel

"I would say 'amazing' but it's not enough.. Songs we knew but in a different, fantastic way...Nobody could stand still! It was incredible atmosphere you created... What more can I say? One has to see it for himself to understand what I'm talking about.... Hope I will have chance to hear you again somewhere!!!"

Member of Ma'ayan Dance Group
Novi Sad, Serbia

"Yoni Avital [of The Shuk] was in our place four times. He sang and played the guitar for the residents each week before shabbat and it was beautiful. Our residents loved him and his music. He was also very good with them. He got them singing along and even up and dancing. We all enjoyed it very much, every time. I wish him all the best and lots off success."

Greetings,
Marijke Oldenkamp
Beth Shalom Nursing Home
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

"During The Shuk's performance: We were tired - but ful of energy
We were far from Israel - but in Israel
I didn't know all the texts - but the words were coming
I didn't know the steps - but I danced
It was Saturday like any other - but the evening was magic

Lidija Blagojevic
Ex-Yu Limmud Conference

Read the Jaffa Institute's Thank you after their annual gala (PDF File in Hebrew)