January 16, 2019
Abigail Cukier

Beth Jacob Synagogue is expecting 500 leaders and community members from across Hamilton for the second annual Marvin Caplan Memorial Concert on Feb. 3, this year in support of Empowerment Squared.

“An event like this is a fun and unique way of accomplishing many goals at once—bringing communities together and doing something good for the people of our city,” says Rabbi Hillel Lavery-Yisraeli.

Emceed by Layne, The Auctionista, the concert will include a collection of musical and dance performances from To the Pointe Dance Project, The Canadian Dance Company, Not Just Another Dance Studio, The Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, Zacada Circus and the Lavery-Yisraeli’s own band, Mixed Blessings. Planted in Hamilton and Vintage Coffee Roasters will offer a selection of food and drink and child care will be provided by PlayVille Hamilton.

The event honours Marvin Caplan, Ward 1 city council representative from 1994 to 2003, long-time member of Beth Jacob Synagogue and chair of the Beth Jacob Synagogue Social Justice Committee at the time of his death.

Each year for this event, Beth Jacob Synagogue chooses a charity to support, identifying a local organization that benefits Hamilton and needs more support and awareness. Empowerment Squared helps newcomer and marginalized youth and communities through programs involving academic mentoring and recreation, including fraction games and make-your-own-book projects, soccer tournaments and campus tours.

“This event demonstrates the role of religious institutions such as Beth Jacob Synagogue and community organizations working in collaboration committed to the principles and values of social justice, bringing people together through acts of love and kindness,” said Leo Johnson, executive director of Empowerment Squared. “We want our community to know that the education system has the most significant impact on newcomer youth and families and that's why we are working to ensure that the education experience is a positive one and a catalyst for post-secondary education. When a child succeeds, we all succeed.”

The concert will take place Sunday, Feb. 3 at Beth Jacob Synagogue, 375 Aberdeen Ave. Doors open at 2 pm, concert starts at 3 pm. For information on the concert, call 905-522-1351, click here for the Eventbrite page or search for Marvin Caplan Memorial Concert on Facebook.