PROGRAMMING & ENTERTAINMENT
Your holiday will be enhanced by our lineup of inspiring lecturers, captivating performances and exciting activities.
ISHAY RIBO - INTERNATIONAL SINGER
Ishay Ribo is an acclaimed Israeli singer-songwriter whose music blends deep Jewish spirituality with contemporary pop and rock influences. Raised near Jerusalem after his family made aliyah when he was eight, Ribo studied in yeshiva and later served in the IDF Technology and Maintenance Corps as well as the IDF Rabbinical Choir.
Since emerging in 2014, Ribo has become one of Israel’s most celebrated and influential artists. His songs have dominated Israeli charts, earning him numerous “Singer of the Year” honors and a devoted global following. His albums Tocho Ratzuf Ahavah, Pachad Gevahim, and Shetach Afor have achieved gold and platinum certification, while his live performances are known for their emotional power and unifying energy, drawing both religious and secular audiences.
Ribo made history in 2023 as the first Israeli artist to headline Madison Square Garden in New York, performing for a sold-out crowd of more than 15,000 fans. His 2024 return to the same legendary stage, once again before a sold-out crowd, firmly established him as a global ambassador of Jewish music and faith.
Drawing inspiration from Torah and traditional Jewish texts, his music expresses longing, gratitude, and faith with modern artistry. Today, Ribo continues to perform worldwide, bringing Hebrew music and Jewish soul to the global stage. He lives in Jerusalem’s Kiryat Moshe neighborhood with his wife Yael and their six children.
BEN SHAPIRO
Ben Shapiro is the founding editor emeritus of The Daily Wire and host of The Ben Shapiro Show, one of the most listened-to conservative podcasts in the United States. A bestselling author, he has written multiple influential books, including The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Courage Made the West Great, How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps, and Bullies: How the Left’s Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences America.
An Orthodox Jew, Shapiro speaks frequently about the role of faith, family, and moral clarity in shaping both Jewish and Western civilization. He is an outspoken defender of Israel and has challenged the anti-Semitic narratives driving the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Shapiro’s Jewish identity informs his belief that moral courage and intellectual honesty are essential to preserving freedom in both America and Israel.
At just seventeen, he became the youngest nationally syndicated columnist in U.S. history. He graduated summa cum laude from UCLA and went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School. After practicing at Goodwin Procter LLP, he launched Benjamin Shapiro Legal Consulting in Los Angeles.
Shapiro’s work appears in major publications, and he is a sought-after speaker on university campuses across the country, often facing opposition from progressive and activist groups. Known for his disciplined logic and quick wit, he has become one of the most recognized Jewish conservative thinkers in America, advocating for intellectual honesty, traditional values, and the defense of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
CHIEF RABBI SIR EPHRAIM MIRVIS KBE
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis is the 11th Chief Rabbi of Great Britain since the office was introduced in 1704. He is the religious figurehead for Jewish communities right across the Commonwealth. He was installed on 1st September 2013 in an historic ceremony attended by His Majesty King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales.
Born in South Africa, he previously served as Chief Rabbi of Ireland and the Rabbi of the Marble Arch and Finchley Synagogues.
As Chief Rabbi, he is a primary representative of the Jewish community to government, other faiths and civil society. He is known as a principled leader who has broken new ground in the fields of interfaith and social responsibility, as well as tackling antisemitism and advocating for Israel during challenging times.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis serves as Associate President of the Conference of European Rabbis and President of the London School of Jewish Studies. He has launched a number of innovative projects, such as his Centre for Community Excellence, the Ma’ayan female educators programme, the Ben Azzai social responsibility programme, ShabbatUK and the Shalem Fellowship.
He received a knighthood three years ago from King Charles III in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
EFRAIM PALVANOV
Efraim Palvanov is among the world’s most sought-after Torah educators, celebrated for his unique blend of scholarly depth and engaging delivery. The author of five influential books, including the widely acclaimed Secrets of the Last Waters and Garments of Light series, Efraim is also one of the most popular Jewish speakers on YouTube, captivating audiences with his profound insights. His extensive scientific background, including multiple degrees in Science and Education, enriches his Torah teachings with a distinctive, resonant perspective. Efraim's diverse experiences, including service in the Canadian Armed Forces, lend a dynamic, multifaceted approach to his work.
Discover more of Efraim’s teachings at www.youtube.com/efraimpalvanov and www.mayimachronim.com
AVI LIBERMAN- COMEDIAN
Avi Liberman's quirky style has made him a favorite in comedy clubs from Los Angeles to New York. Born in Israel, raised in Texas, having gone to college in New York, and now living in Los Angeles, his style is a winning combination of life experiences and topical issues told through a varied blend of characters and voices with worldwide expertise. Avi has performed on numerous TV shows and has also done shows in Iraq and Afghanistan for the troops. He is best knows for the biannual tour he does in Israel called Comedy For Koby where he brings comedians from the US to join him in doing sold out shows all over Israel.
He is the author of two books titled Traveling During The Pandemic and Stranger Gigs. "
LADY VALERIE MIRVIS
Lady Valerie Mirvis spent the first 18 years of her life in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In 1977 she moved to Israel, studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and graduating with a BA in History and English Literature. She taught both English and Hebrew for many years, before taking on the role of Community Development Coordinator in Jewish Care’s Stamford Hill Day Centre for the elderly.
In 1997 she moved to social work, graduating with an MA(DipSW) in Social Work, followed by the AASW (Advanced Award in Social Work) which is a professional Masters. She worked with elderly clients in her Jewish Care role for 8 years, with placements in a dementia unit and Grove House Day Hospice. She then worked for Jewish Blind and Disabled before moving to a Statutory Role in Front Line Child Protection for the London Borough of Barnet for 6 years, followed by 5 years in Barnet’s Adoption Team. In 2019 she became the Lead for the ASYE (Assessed & Supported Year of Employment) for all the newly qualified social workers in Barnet Children’s Service, a role she continues to this day.
She has lectured widely in the UK and abroad on Healthcare Communication Skills since 1996. Her book Please Don’t Break My Other Leg! A Guide to Empathizing with Patients was published in English by University Press of America, 2001 and in Chinese by H20 Publishers, 2004.
RABBI DANNY MIRVIS
Rabbi Danny Mirvis is the CEO of World Mizrachi and the Rabbi of Ohel Moshe Synagogue in Herzliya Pituach.
Dublin-born and London-raised, Rabbi Mirvis is an alumnus of the Hesder program at Yeshivat Har Etzion.
In 2021, he returned to Israel after serving as the Senior Rabbi of Mizrachi Melbourne. During his six years in Australia, he also played leading roles in the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, the Rabbinic Advisory Panel of the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha Cemeteries Trust, the Melbourne Beth Din review of Conversion Practices and Procedures, and all of Mizrachi Melbourne’s Synagogues and institutions.
In addition to his weekly Shiurim in Herzliya, he is a presenter for World Mizrachi’s leadership training programs, and a regular writer for HaMizrachi Parsha Weekly.
YITZY SPINNER - CHAZZAN
Yitzy Spinner has been a full-time professional Baal Tefilah for over two decades, sharing his passion for davening and Jewish music with communities worldwide. Since 2018, he has served as the Chazzan at the Great Neck Synagogue, where his soulful voice and heartfelt tefilot have become a cornerstone of the synagogue's spiritual life.
Renowned for his versatility and talent, Chazzan Spinner is a highly sought-after performer at weddings, concerts, and communal events. His ability to connect with audiences through music has earned him acclaim in diverse settings, from intimate ceremonies to large-scale productions.
Yitzy is also deeply involved in the creative side of the Jewish music world. He has contributed to numerous recording projects, collaborating with some of the most celebrated Jewish performers globally. His expertise in musical production has enhanced many stage productions and recordings, further solidifying his reputation as a creative force in Jewish music.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Yitzy is the founder and operator of Story Co Tours, a luxury travel production company that curates exclusive experiences to extraordinary destinations.
With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, coupled with a commitment to inspiring others through song and meaningful experiences, Yitzy Spinner continues to leave a lasting impact on the Jewish music landscape, the communities he serves, and the travelers he guides on remarkable journeys.
ROCHEL HOLZKENNER
Rochel is a mother of four children and the co-director of Chabad of Las Olas, Fla., serving the community of young professionals. She is a high-school teacher and a freelance writer—and a frequent contributor to Chabad.org. She lectures extensively on topics of Kabbalah and feminism, and their application to everyday life. Rochel holds an MS in Brain Based Learning from Nova SE University.
ALIZA STONE HOWARD - DYNAMIC YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Aliza Stone Howard is a beacon of motivation in the yoga community, renowned for her dynamic teaching style, which blends intensity with accessibility. Aliza embarked on her teaching journey in 2017 and has 350 hours of certified yoga teacher-training from Pure Yoga, New York's premier yoga studio. Her dedication and talent swiftly propelled her to become one of the most sought-after instructors at prestigious Manhattan yoga studios, NY Loves Yoga and House of Jai, where she consistently captivated students with her sold-out classes and workshops.
Aliza's yoga classes are celebrated for their intelligent sequencing, fun atmosphere, and inclusive appeal to a broad spectrum of students. Her commitment to understanding individual needs and bodies has led her to a successful private yoga business, but she has tremendous passion for the uniquely uplifting, fun nature of group fitness.
Aliza Stone Howard offers an invigorating mix of classes, including Cardio Power Yoga for an energetic blend of strength and flexibility, Yoga Sculpt for full-body toning, Full Body Flow to enhance mind-body connection through a Vinyasa practice, and Athletic Yoga for Beginners, focusing on foundational skills with an active twist.
Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, Aliza's classes offer a welcoming space to explore, challenge and rejuvenate your spirit
ESTEE ACKERMAN- PING PONG CHAMPION
Estee Ackerman is a nationally ranked USA table tennis player, currently ranked #41. As a junior, her career highs included being ranked #9 in the USA and #3 as a cadet. In 2016, she became the first Orthodox Jewish athlete, and one of only sixteen women, to compete in the Olympic Trials for Team USA in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is the Junior Girls Olympic Champion in both singles and doubles and has earned numerous medals at the US Open and US Nationals. Estee has competed across the country, including 14 times in Las Vegas, and internationally in North America as part of Team USA.
During her seminary studies in Israel, she played in the first division for Hapoel Jerusalem, where she led the team to a division title and achieved a personal singles rank of #7. She does not compete in professional tournaments on Shabbat or Yom Tov, and in 2012, she was defaulted from a championship match that was held on Friday night. The New York Post dubbed her the "Sandy Koufax of Ping Pong."
Estee has been recognized by Jewish Kids Got Talent, Jewish Week's "36 Under 36," the OU, Yeshiva University High School, Chabad, and the Nassau County Assembly, Senate, and Legislature. She has appeared on various TV shows, collaborated on a YouTube video (which garnered 2.5 million views) with the New York Cosmos soccer team, played celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Rachael Ray Show, and defeated tennis great Rafa Nadal at the age of eleven. Recently, she has founded table tennis clubs in Jewish day schools, supported charities with fundraisers, hosted a "PONG for Israel" event, and is training for the 2028 Olympic Trials.
A children's book, Ping Pong Shabbat, has been written about her and published by Little Bee Books. She will also appear in the upcoming movie Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, set for release in December 2025.
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ZUMBA, CREATIVE SOULS DANCE
Founded by Rosalie Galante, a certified dance instructor renowned within the National Dance Council of America, Creative Souls Dance LLC embodies her passion for enriching lives through dance. At Creative Souls Dance, Rosalie and her team specialize in leading invigorating Zumba classes, offering an energizing blend of fitness and fun throughout your stay. With a diverse background in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballroom, and Social Dance from New York and Florida, Rosalie has spent over 15 years teaching students, developing creative choreographies, and achieving first-place wins in dance competitions worldwide. Her dedication to promoting a joyful and healthy lifestyle through dance makes Creative Souls Dance a vibrant community hub for dance enthusiasts of all levels.