Robert Esformes Needs Our Support
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Robert Michae'l Esformes – a pearl of a human being who has served thousands of people over the years as a deeply inspired Cantor, spiritual counsellor, and Ladino Troubadour – is very much in need of our support.
Two and a half years ago, Michae'l was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, a condition that not only challenged his most basic assumptions about life, but significantly diminished his ability to earn a living. Sadly, depression, an early harbinger of PD's arrival, had already diminished his energies and creative capabilities.
Fortunately, the rocky times after his initial diagnosis subsided with adjustments to lifestyle and medication and Michae'l has since found his sea legs. But more than that, he has rediscovered his muse and a renewed mission -- to focus his efforts on bringing into the world his unique blend of Jewish mystical music-making to uplift, inspire, and awaken through the gift of his voice.
Towards that end, some of Michael's friends have gotten together to launch this GoFundMe campaign -- our attempt to raise the funds needed for him to produce an album of psalms, chants, and songs of praise, tentatively titled: A Psampler of Psalms, A Chalice of Chants. Your donation will help buy Michae'l the time and resources needed to rehearse, record, produce, and promote the kind of heart-centered music that will be his lasting legacy to the world.
Ordained in 1999 by Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the grandfather of Jewish Renewal, Michae'l left the academic world and entered into broad engagement in the Jewish Renewal community and beyond, touring for a dozen years around the US and as far away as New Zealand and Australia.
This will not be Michael's first album. His previous one, the Mystery of the Sabbath, proved to be an extraordinary accomplishment and was praised by many around the world.
It is in the spirit of mutual gifting that we make this appeal, and thank you, in advance, for whatever support you can provide. From time to time, we will post updates here with progress reports and general musings. We invite you to stay in touch with us. All benefactors will be suitably saluted and endlessly appreciated.
With blessings of Shalom.
Two and a half years ago, Michae'l was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, a condition that not only challenged his most basic assumptions about life, but significantly diminished his ability to earn a living. Sadly, depression, an early harbinger of PD's arrival, had already diminished his energies and creative capabilities.
Fortunately, the rocky times after his initial diagnosis subsided with adjustments to lifestyle and medication and Michae'l has since found his sea legs. But more than that, he has rediscovered his muse and a renewed mission -- to focus his efforts on bringing into the world his unique blend of Jewish mystical music-making to uplift, inspire, and awaken through the gift of his voice.
Towards that end, some of Michael's friends have gotten together to launch this GoFundMe campaign -- our attempt to raise the funds needed for him to produce an album of psalms, chants, and songs of praise, tentatively titled: A Psampler of Psalms, A Chalice of Chants. Your donation will help buy Michae'l the time and resources needed to rehearse, record, produce, and promote the kind of heart-centered music that will be his lasting legacy to the world.
Ordained in 1999 by Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, the grandfather of Jewish Renewal, Michae'l left the academic world and entered into broad engagement in the Jewish Renewal community and beyond, touring for a dozen years around the US and as far away as New Zealand and Australia.
This will not be Michael's first album. His previous one, the Mystery of the Sabbath, proved to be an extraordinary accomplishment and was praised by many around the world.
It is in the spirit of mutual gifting that we make this appeal, and thank you, in advance, for whatever support you can provide. From time to time, we will post updates here with progress reports and general musings. We invite you to stay in touch with us. All benefactors will be suitably saluted and endlessly appreciated.
With blessings of Shalom.
Organizer and beneficiary
Mitch Ditkoff
Organizer
Woodstock, NY
Robert Esformes
Beneficiary