Cobble Hill recreation staff are multi-talented and multi-focused—concerned with the physical, mental and spiritual well being of our residents. Our Annual Interfaith Celebration, an inspirational program for residents, staff and families always uplifts and revitalizes and is one of the most highly anticipated events on the calendar.

“We live in a turbulent and busy world,” says Irina Zapolskaya, who helps organize what has become a tradition at Cobble Hill. “It is important to remember that we are all human beings who need to give and receive love, friendship, peace. We come from different backgrounds and religions, but we strive for the same things in life. This is the time when we also remember those who are always in our memory and express hope for a brighter future.”

Clergy of different denominations participated in the event, as did residents’ family members. Guest speakers were Rabbi Weinstein from Bnei Avraham Synagogue, Reverend Johnson from Brooklyn Tabernacle and Evangelist Lawes (Cobble Hill’s own) from Trinity Zion Pentecostal Church of America.

The selection of music and the dance segments performed by staff members, were representative of the day’s theme: looking beneath the surface to find the inner depth that is in all of us. “We were very careful to choose the kind of music that could possibly touch the soul,” says Ms. Zapolskaya.

Performances included the classic hymn Bach’s Ave Maria performed by Ms. Zapolskaya (piano) and Tatyana Volynskaya (violin). “In the Arms of An Angel” sung by Elaine Gay and Sydiya Corbin.

“Angels Watching Over Me” was choreographed by recreation staff members, M. Robinson, E. Gay, S. Corbin, C. Vilanova, Y. Russell and E. Hanson who danced their way into the audience’s hearts.

A highlight of the event was when staff, residents, volunteers and guests created a Centerpiece of Hope; each of them placed a rose in a vase while Elizabeth Hanson sang, “One Light One Sun”.