Jews Got Talent
For the First time ever in Bay Area Campuses, following in the footsteps of ‘America’s Got Talent’, we announced a cross - campus talent contest.
The grand finale will take place on the main stage of ‘Israel in the Gardens’ on Sunday, June 7, 2009 just before the headliner, in front of 20,000 people.
Meet our Finalists
| Silicon Valley Hillel | Santa Cruz Hillel | UC Berkeley Hillel | Hillel at UC Davis |
San Francisco Hillel |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Be'eri Moalem | Daniel Steinberg | Danielle Natelson | Lauren Salmo & Allon Jacobs |
Megan Newton Gill |
Silicon Valley Hillel - Be'eri Moalem
Be'eri Moalem was born in Jerusalem and grew up in Kfar Adumim in Israel. He went to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to study viola performance and is now studying composition at San Jose State. He is a freelance musician, and composer playing in ensembles that vary from rock band to full-size symphony orchestra to small string ensembles. Beeri also writes about music for various publications. In his spare time he likes biking and playing basketball. http://www.beeri.org* Be’eri will perform “) Shir LaMa’alot” with a quartet: Elana Jagoda (Singer / Guitarist), Caitilin Mcsherry (Violin), Julia Jurkiewicz (Cello), Aaron Kierbel (Drummer).
Santa Cruz Hillel - Daniel Steinberg
I am from Altadena, California, which is right next to Pasadena. I am enjoying my studies at UCSC where it is magnificently beautiful everyday and there is a universal attitude of acceptance. My major is still something I am having much trouble deciding on, but I have some time to think about it. I am almost positive I will minor in music, but my choices of majors are between Physics and Economics. I am 19 years old, and I love music, any type of art really, and I love reading and learning about the world we live in. Most of all I love life and I try to appreciate it as much as I can. I feel a strong connection to Israel, although my first time going there is actually this summer. The fact that I am part of a people that have managed to survive against all odds, and have contributed so much to the world compounds this connection, and I can't wait to go visit. I also have family and friends living there who are some of the most amazing people I know. With all of the problems that Israel is dealing with, I believe that music is just one outlet that I can both express my beliefs on the subject, and hopefully inspire and encourage others to seek peace. However, I do realize that it is a very complex situation, and it will take much effort to solve the problem. Lastly, I would just like to say that I am ecstatic about this opportunity, and it almost feels surreal. Thank you so much, and God bless!* Daniel will sing an original song: “Enough” by Daniel Steinberg.
UC Berkeley Hillel - Danielle Natelson
Danielle Natelson is a 19-year-old sophomore psychology major at UC Berkeley. She loves singing, hanging out with friends and watching lots of sports. She started singing when she was 3 years old and has been singing ever since. She has always had a love for Israel but truly fell in love with the country and Jewish homeland five-years ago when she spent 6 weeks there on a trip with her summer camp, Camp Ramah in California. She loves being involved in Jewish communities wherever she goes, as they play an integral role in her life.* Danielle will perform with YaRock band “Im Telech” by Idan Raichel.
Hillel at UC Davis and Sacramento - Allon Jacobs
I am 23 years old, and graduated last quarter from UC Davis with a degree in Biochemistry. I lived in Israel for four years from the age of ten, and returned to Israel to study at Tel Aviv University during my junior year of college. The song that I will be performing, as a duet with Lauren Salmo, is called "Fading Sunset." I wrote it a few weeks before leaving Tel Aviv at the end of my junior year abroad. It is meant to capture the amazing experience of being in Israel, the people who helped build the memories, and the difficulty of leaving.No personal bio about myself would be complete without mentioning the fact that I am a triplet. While each of us is no doubt independent, together we do consider ourselves a functional tripod.
Hobbies: I love being outdoors and adventurous, snowboarding, soccer, diving, guitar, reading, science, and flying.
* Allon will perform with Lauren Salmo and YaRock band, original song named “Fading Sunset” by Allon Jacobs.
Hillel at UC Davis and Sacramento - Lauren Salmo
Lauren Salmo is a third year student at the University of California, Davis, studying Biological Sciences and Community Development. Born and raised in the New York City area, Lauren learned to play her first instrument (piano) at age 8. Then came clarinet, guitar, and voice. In between her studies at UC Davis and work at the student health center, Lauren tries to squeeze in music whenever she can. She currently sings in The Liquid Hotplates, a co-ed a cappella group on campus, and takes voice lessons with the music department. She also enjoys practicing yoga in downtown Davis, working on her bikes, and traveling. Lauren had a great time working with Allon and Ya Rock and is thrilled to have this opportunity to perform at Israel in the Gardens!* Lauren will perform with Allon Jacobs and YaRock band, original song named “Fading Sunset” by Allon Jacobs.
San Francisco Hillel - Megan Newton Gill
I grew up in Los Angeles, CA and have lived in San Francisco for almost 4 years now.I absolutely love the Bay Area because there is always something new to do and discover and I especially love the diversity that fills the city. I am a Liberal Studies major at SFSU, graduating at the end of this month and very excited! Aside from doing a lot of growing and learning, one of the best parts of college has been my experience with music. Freshman year I joined the Gospel Choir, a long time dream of mine (currently I also sing with the Afro Cuban Jazz Ensemble). It not only taught me about my voice and new styles of music, but about soul, faith and being open to new experiences. One of the first places I sang was in my temple choir ("The Cantor's Chanter's") in 3rd grade and I haven't stopped. While my Jewish identity has been something I've struggled with in college, being that it was the first time I actively thought about what it meant to me, the cultural part of Judaism always stays and draws me in and makes me feel at home, and that of course includes the music. I've only been to Israel once (birthright last summer and then extended for a few weeks) and though my relationship with it is also challenging and not so certain, being there unmistakably feels familiar and feels like another home.
* Megan will sing Ba’a Elechem by Miri Mesika with YaRock band.
