Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Agency Zeev Bielski and wife Caron receiving The Ten Commandments, a magnificent limited edition print of Jerusalemite artist Marla Karl.The presentation wasmade as the former Ra'anana mayor was about to leave his post, in appreciation of his dedicated efforts to the local community. The presenter is Michael Heymann CEO of MICHAELUNIQUE and reflects the ongoing involvement of the business enterprise in Ra'anana and throughout ISRAEL.
Rabbi Stewart (Shmuel) Weiss and Michael Heymann exchange pleasantries at the 2006 end of year event of Ohel Ari, the organization founded by the Weiss family in memory of their son, Sgt. Ari Weiss, z"l, who lost his life in Shechem (Nablus) during his basic military service. MICHAELUNIQUE has worked together in support of Rabbi Weiss and Ohel Ari on a regular basis and looks forward to many more years of involvement with the worthy Jewish outreach organization.
Rabbi Stewart (Shmuel) Weiss of the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana sharing a moment of appreciation of a magnificent piece of Judaica art with Zeev and Caron Bielski. The artwork was painstakingly selected by Rabbi Weiss at MICHAELUNIQUE as a thank you to the retiring mayor and with the full expectation that it would serve to enhance the walls of his new office at the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem.
Monday, December 3, 2007
David Rubinger Article
A beautiful and exciting reception was given this evening by MICHAELUNIQUE gift shop, in honor of the world famous TIME/LIFE photographer David Rubinger. This special event was held in the open-air plaza adjacent to the Maccabi building on Achuza Street. David Rubinger is the photographer of perhaps the most well known photo ever taken in ISRAEL, “Three Soldiers at the Kotel”. This is the famous photo taken moments after ISRAELI paratroopers arrived at the newly liberated holy site in June 1967.
The event was open to the public and was attended by dozens of people, including the press and media. In addition to Mr. Rubinger, also attending was Mayor Uzi Cohen. Mr. Cohen was very proud that such an event was being held here in Raanana and very happy to see all the people who came to the event. Upon viewing the many historic photos taken by Mr. Rubinger on display, the mayor said they brought back many memories.
Another special guest was Dr. Isaac Ifat, who happens to be the middle soldier of the three in the photo from the June 1967 liberation of the Kotel. The guests were very excited to meet and talk to him. It indeed was very special and exciting to see in person a figure who is the centerpiece of such a famous icon. Dr. Ifat, who was 23 years old when the famous photo was taken, is today an OB-GYN living in Rishon Letzion.
The organizer of the event was Michael Heymann, the owner of MICHAELUNIQUE gift shop. Mr. Heymann, originally from Jerusalem, opened his gift shop here only a couple of months ago. He came to Raanana to open another business which didn’t materialize, but was so impressed by our city, that he stayed here and finally opened up his current store. Mr. Heymann said that he was very impressed with Raanana because it is “clean and orderly” as well as “civilized and dignified”. According to Mr. Heymann, the store is getting “good, positive feedback”, especially due to the high customer service orientation and the quality and attractiveness of the merchandise he offers.
The guest of honor, David Rubinger, has been a photojournalist and resident of Jerusalem for many decades. While his “Three Soldiers at the Kotel” photo is the most famous, he said that his favorite is a close-up, candid photo of Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat quietly conversing with each other during one of their history making meetings. When this reporter asked him why, Mr. Rubinger replied, “Because it is exactly the opposite of the typical, idiotic, grinning handshake photos that most photographers have leaders pose for”. Besides the dozens of famous historic photos he is known for, Mr. Rubinger’s other claim to fame is that he and his wife are one of only two couples that have had both their names listed in the masthead of Time magazine. While talking about the photo of Begin and Sadat, Mr. Rubinger offered an interesting anecdote about the Yom Kippur war. He said that if the Arabs had attacked ISRAEL on Succot or Pesach, it would have been truly disastrous, because then the roads would have been so busy (unlike on Yom Kippur) and that would not have allowed all the reserve soldiers to reach the front on time.Adding to the festivities of the evening, was live music played by Miki Giraz of Jerusalem, a friend of Michael Heymann. Miki played many selections including music from Naomi Shemer and other period pieces from the times of the photos on display. Making the event a truly “tasty” one, was the food served to the guests, supplied by Iris Place of Cakes, a neighbor of MICHAELUNIQUE in the Maccabi plaza. Their selection of borekas, cheeses, baked goods and desserts was truly delicious and a crowd pleaser. All in all, the event was very enjoyable and special for everyone.
The event was open to the public and was attended by dozens of people, including the press and media. In addition to Mr. Rubinger, also attending was Mayor Uzi Cohen. Mr. Cohen was very proud that such an event was being held here in Raanana and very happy to see all the people who came to the event. Upon viewing the many historic photos taken by Mr. Rubinger on display, the mayor said they brought back many memories.
Another special guest was Dr. Isaac Ifat, who happens to be the middle soldier of the three in the photo from the June 1967 liberation of the Kotel. The guests were very excited to meet and talk to him. It indeed was very special and exciting to see in person a figure who is the centerpiece of such a famous icon. Dr. Ifat, who was 23 years old when the famous photo was taken, is today an OB-GYN living in Rishon Letzion.
The organizer of the event was Michael Heymann, the owner of MICHAELUNIQUE gift shop. Mr. Heymann, originally from Jerusalem, opened his gift shop here only a couple of months ago. He came to Raanana to open another business which didn’t materialize, but was so impressed by our city, that he stayed here and finally opened up his current store. Mr. Heymann said that he was very impressed with Raanana because it is “clean and orderly” as well as “civilized and dignified”. According to Mr. Heymann, the store is getting “good, positive feedback”, especially due to the high customer service orientation and the quality and attractiveness of the merchandise he offers.
The guest of honor, David Rubinger, has been a photojournalist and resident of Jerusalem for many decades. While his “Three Soldiers at the Kotel” photo is the most famous, he said that his favorite is a close-up, candid photo of Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat quietly conversing with each other during one of their history making meetings. When this reporter asked him why, Mr. Rubinger replied, “Because it is exactly the opposite of the typical, idiotic, grinning handshake photos that most photographers have leaders pose for”. Besides the dozens of famous historic photos he is known for, Mr. Rubinger’s other claim to fame is that he and his wife are one of only two couples that have had both their names listed in the masthead of Time magazine. While talking about the photo of Begin and Sadat, Mr. Rubinger offered an interesting anecdote about the Yom Kippur war. He said that if the Arabs had attacked ISRAEL on Succot or Pesach, it would have been truly disastrous, because then the roads would have been so busy (unlike on Yom Kippur) and that would not have allowed all the reserve soldiers to reach the front on time.Adding to the festivities of the evening, was live music played by Miki Giraz of Jerusalem, a friend of Michael Heymann. Miki played many selections including music from Naomi Shemer and other period pieces from the times of the photos on display. Making the event a truly “tasty” one, was the food served to the guests, supplied by Iris Place of Cakes, a neighbor of MICHAELUNIQUE in the Maccabi plaza. Their selection of borekas, cheeses, baked goods and desserts was truly delicious and a crowd pleaser. All in all, the event was very enjoyable and special for everyone.
David Rubinger Night
In September 2005, two months after the store made its initial appearance on Ahuza, an emotional and historic evening took place. David Rubinger, 82, of Yerushalayim, ISRAEL'S most famous photographer and winner of the ISRAEL Prize, was the guest of honor. Twelve of his most famous photographs were exhibited while a crowd of close to two hundred people feasted on scrumptious delicacies and enjoyed the reminiscent background musical accompaniment. David, as well as all others in attendance were very pleasantly surprised at the sudden appearance of Dr. Yitzhak Yifat, one of the three exhausted but exhilarated soldiers at the Kotel (Western Wall) in ISRAEL'S most famous photograph, taken in June, 1967 by David Rubinger, minutes after the liberation of that holy site.
We were honoured to display a selection of some of the most famous photographs of world famous TIME / LIFE photographer and ISRAEL PRIZE Laureate David Rubinger. He was honoured at a reception at our new store, where a selection of some of his most famous photographs were exhibited. David is a true icon, has been a witness to virtually every key event in our nation's history, and is the source of modern Israel's most famous photograph. We all still become emotional at the sight of his "Three soldiers at the Kotel", shot moments after our heroic paratroopers arrived at the newly liberated holy site in June 1967.
Thise was turned into an unofficial opening celebration as well as a tribute to an amazing man. Many dignitaries, including our new mayor Mr. Nahum Hofree attend, in addition to a large contingent of potential clients from as far away as Haifa, Yerushalayim and Rehovot. Also, many of our selected artists were here to showcase their special collections. Signed and framed prints were on display at the store. This was a special event, one not to be missed and you can read more about thise fabulose opening in the Ra'ananaNow article
We were honoured to display a selection of some of the most famous photographs of world famous TIME / LIFE photographer and ISRAEL PRIZE Laureate David Rubinger. He was honoured at a reception at our new store, where a selection of some of his most famous photographs were exhibited. David is a true icon, has been a witness to virtually every key event in our nation's history, and is the source of modern Israel's most famous photograph. We all still become emotional at the sight of his "Three soldiers at the Kotel", shot moments after our heroic paratroopers arrived at the newly liberated holy site in June 1967.
Thise was turned into an unofficial opening celebration as well as a tribute to an amazing man. Many dignitaries, including our new mayor Mr. Nahum Hofree attend, in addition to a large contingent of potential clients from as far away as Haifa, Yerushalayim and Rehovot. Also, many of our selected artists were here to showcase their special collections. Signed and framed prints were on display at the store. This was a special event, one not to be missed and you can read more about thise fabulose opening in the Ra'ananaNow article
Broadway Comes to Ra'anana Concert
This past Monday evening an overflow crowd attended a most unusual event here in Ra'anana. MICHAELUNIQUE celebrated its first birthday by throwing a party for its patrons and neighbors. There was a certain magic in the air. The buzz was that something special, indeed, was taking place. It's truly a new way of doing business. A privately owned local business was giving back to the general community in recognition of its loyal support to the new business enterprise.MICHAELUNIQUE has a vision of promoting original ISRAELI art. Thirty-five talented individuals are currently represented at the classy gift emporium at the corner of Bar-Ilan and Ahuza. More and more artists are contacting MICHAELUNIQUE requesting inclusion the business. It is reported that a truly unique website is under construction which will allow the concept to be expanded beyond the shores of Israel and throughout the world.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Yisrael Lutnik of Jerusalem, a former New York stage performer. His renditions of the classics of Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber were thrilling. Grant Crankshaw, a local resident performed masterly as master of ceremonies. Grant also presented a hilarious comedy routine on the pitfalls of making aliyah.
Numerous surprises were in store for the capacity crowd, including the nearly simultaneous arrivals of current mayor Nahum Hofre and Zev Bielski, former mayor and current chairman of the Jewish Agency. Their brief words of welcome and compliments to Michael were greeted warmly by the largely Anglo audience. During the intermission each guest received a slice of birthday cake adorned with a fresh spring flower. Additional refreshments were served by TALI School parents and students in cooperation with neighboring businesses that were included in the effort.
At the end of the evening, one final, totally unanticipated surprise was announced by Michael Heymann, CEO of MICHAELUNIQUE. Each audience member was individually presented with a sealed envelope containing a gift certificate to the store. The value of the certificates ranged from 20 NIS to 1000 NIS!
When interviewed after the event and asked about the highly unusual generosity, Mr. Heymann re-iterated that it was MICHAELUNIQUE'S way of giving back to a community that has been overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by Yisrael Lutnik of Jerusalem, a former New York stage performer. His renditions of the classics of Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber were thrilling. Grant Crankshaw, a local resident performed masterly as master of ceremonies. Grant also presented a hilarious comedy routine on the pitfalls of making aliyah.
Numerous surprises were in store for the capacity crowd, including the nearly simultaneous arrivals of current mayor Nahum Hofre and Zev Bielski, former mayor and current chairman of the Jewish Agency. Their brief words of welcome and compliments to Michael were greeted warmly by the largely Anglo audience. During the intermission each guest received a slice of birthday cake adorned with a fresh spring flower. Additional refreshments were served by TALI School parents and students in cooperation with neighboring businesses that were included in the effort.
At the end of the evening, one final, totally unanticipated surprise was announced by Michael Heymann, CEO of MICHAELUNIQUE. Each audience member was individually presented with a sealed envelope containing a gift certificate to the store. The value of the certificates ranged from 20 NIS to 1000 NIS!
When interviewed after the event and asked about the highly unusual generosity, Mr. Heymann re-iterated that it was MICHAELUNIQUE'S way of giving back to a community that has been overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive.
Chanukiah Lighting 2006
MICHAELUNIQUE hosted a communal Chanukiah lighting for the seventh candle during this past Chanukah. The event took place on Thursday evening, 21 December 2006, outside our flagship store in the Pozin Centre in Ra'anana, ISRAEL. Rabbi Stewart Weiss spoke about the importance of publicizing the miracle that took place during the time of our ancestors, the Macabbees.
He praised our staff for initiating the holiday commemoration and for doing it in a very visible way for all to see as they passed by on busy Ahuza Street, the main artery in the city. To add to the spirit of the occasion, local singer and guitarist, Eddie Langer, led the crowd in favorite holiday songs. And of course, delicious gourmet donuts (Sufganiyot) were on hand as well as specially selected local ISRAELI desert wine. The event was the culminating activity in a month-long campaign by MICHAELUNIQUE to raise funds for OHEL ARI, the local organization founded by Rabbi Weiss and his family in memory of their son, Sgt. Ari Weiss, who lost his life in Shechem (Nablus) while on active duty in the IDF. 8% of total store December sales (in commemoration of the 8 day festival) were donated to OHEL ARI and its building fund for the new Bet Knesset and Torah Learning Center now under construction. On an ongoing basis MICHAELUNIQUE participates in and initiates various worthy local activities as its way of giving back to a supportive and devoted community.
He praised our staff for initiating the holiday commemoration and for doing it in a very visible way for all to see as they passed by on busy Ahuza Street, the main artery in the city. To add to the spirit of the occasion, local singer and guitarist, Eddie Langer, led the crowd in favorite holiday songs. And of course, delicious gourmet donuts (Sufganiyot) were on hand as well as specially selected local ISRAELI desert wine. The event was the culminating activity in a month-long campaign by MICHAELUNIQUE to raise funds for OHEL ARI, the local organization founded by Rabbi Weiss and his family in memory of their son, Sgt. Ari Weiss, who lost his life in Shechem (Nablus) while on active duty in the IDF. 8% of total store December sales (in commemoration of the 8 day festival) were donated to OHEL ARI and its building fund for the new Bet Knesset and Torah Learning Center now under construction. On an ongoing basis MICHAELUNIQUE participates in and initiates various worthy local activities as its way of giving back to a supportive and devoted community.
Let the Memories Live Again!
On 25 June, 2007, just before the annual summer exodus of Ra’anana’s residents, a wonderful evening of entertainment was enjoyed by a full house at Yad L'Banim, the local cultural center and memorial to our fallen soldiers. Three talented, young artists were accompanied by critically acclaimed pianist Marina Levinsky, as they wowed the sold-out audience with the best of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Webber was born a few months before the State of ISRAEL, in March of 1948. He is arguably the most popular musical theatre composer of modern times, with shows that have broken every Broadway record for longevity. All the well known favorites from Cats, JC Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Evita were included in the program. Yisrael Lutnick, tenor and Executive Producer of Israel Musicals, the dynamic production company, recently wrote and composed the original musical, "If I Could Rewrite the World". Exactly a year ago he headlined MICHAELUNIQUE's first birthday party with a stellar performance of "Broadway Comes to Ra'anana". Co-producer of the evening, Michael Heymann, CEO of MICHAELUNIQUE, the incomparable gift emporium at Ahuza and Bar-Ilan, reports that a significant portion of the ticket sales was handed over to Meir Panim, the Jerusalem based organization that caters to the needs of the less fortunate. We urge you to support their important work. Several times throughout the year, MICHAELUNIQUE sponsors programs and benefits in order "to give back to the community", according to Mr. Heymann. The audience was given a chance to sing as well. In honor of MICHAELUNIQUE's second birthday, a hearty rendition of Happy Birthday to You! was joined in by one and all.
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