Harmony in Giving: Dr. Joel Berley’s A Purim Night of Peace and Music Fundraiser

In the heart of Jerusalem, where ancient stones whisper stories of resilience, the Keren Or Jerusalem Center for Blind Children with Multiple Disabilities stands as a beacon of hope.

This unique nonprofit, dedicated to children who are visually impaired and face cognitive, developmental, or physical challenges, transforms lives through comprehensive care and innovative therapies. At the forefront of a recent fundraising effort to support this mission was Dr. Joel Berley, a compassionate oral surgeon whose commitment to giving back culminated in an extraordinary event: A Purim Night of Peace and Music. This vibrant celebration not only raised vital funds but also shone a light on the profound impact of Keren Or’s work, weaving together community, culture, and care in a tapestry of hope.

A Purim Night of Peace and Music marked the third in a growing series of benefit concerts produced by Dr. Berley, blending his passion for music with his dedication to charitable causes. The inaugural Hollywood Music Festival raised funds for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, while the second, Winterfest, supported the Friendship Circle, which helps children with special needs and their families. Each event built upon the last—not just in attendance or fundraising, but in heart.

This third concert held special meaning: Dr. Joel Berley, a musician himself, didn’t just appear on stage—he performed for the entire evening, using music as a direct vehicle for change. “Music has always been part of my life,” he shares. “Getting on stage isn’t about performance; it’s about connection—about using that energy to uplift a cause that truly matters.”

Dr. Berley, a New Jersey native with a lifelong passion for dentistry, has always believed in the power of small actions to create ripple effects of change. Growing up in his father’s dental practice, he witnessed firsthand the difference that respect, honesty, and attention to detail could make in people’s lives. These values followed him through his academic journey—from Rutgers University to Harvard School of Dental Medicine and into his surgical residency at Montefiore Medical Center. Yet, for Dr. Joel Berley, professional success has always been intertwined with a deeper calling: to serve those in need.

That service has taken many forms. A legacy donor to the Broward Jewish Federation, Dr. Berley has hosted parlor meetings to inspire giving within his community. He supports wounded veterans dealing with PTSD through Healing Trails, an organization for which he has hosted multiple events. Each year, he coordinates a wellness and breathwork retreat for men grappling with stress and anxiety, creating space for healing and renewal. He volunteers for programming and security at his local synagogue and contributes to numerous charitable organizations through his family’s philanthropic fund. “I believe we’re all here to show up for others in whatever ways we can,” he says. “For me, that means putting time, talent, and heart into everything I support.”

When Dr. Joel Berley learned about Keren Or’s mission to empower visually impaired children with multiple disabilities, he knew he had found a cause worth championing. The idea for A Purim Night of Peace and Music was born from a desire to blend joy with purpose. Purim, a Jewish holiday known for its exuberance, costumes, and themes of triumph over adversity, felt like the perfect backdrop. “Purim is about turning darkness into light,” he explains. “What better way to honor that than by supporting children who face such unique challenges, helping them find their own light?”

Held in a beautifully decorated venue in New York, the event drew hundreds of attendees—families, philanthropists, and community members—all united by a shared commitment to Keren Or’s vision. The evening buzzed with energy as live music filled the air, blending traditional Jewish melodies with contemporary beats. Attendees, some in colorful Purim costumes, mingled over festive foods like hamantaschen and shared stories of Keren Or’s impact.

Keren Or is no ordinary organization. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it serves a population often overlooked: children in Israel who are both visually impaired and grappling with additional disabilities. These young individuals face barriers that can feel insurmountable, from navigating a world designed for the sighted to managing cognitive or physical limitations. Keren Or’s mission is to dismantle those barriers through tailored education, rehabilitative therapies, and a nurturing environment that prioritizes potential over limitations.

The evening’s program was thoughtfully curated to maximize engagement. Silent auctions featured artwork, travel experiences, and handcrafted goods—each bid a step toward sustaining Keren Or’s core programs. A video presentation brought the center’s work to life, showcasing children laughing in therapy pools, creating art, and taking tentative but triumphant steps toward independence.

For many guests, the event was not just eye-opening—it was transformative. “I didn’t realize how much goes into helping these kids,” one attendee remarked. “It’s not just care—it’s transformation.” The fundraiser’s financial success translated into immediate impact: funding for hydrotherapy, music therapy, specialized classrooms, and essential staff training.

Yet the event’s true power lay in its ability to build community. Dr. Joel Berley envisioned a night that would do more than open wallets—it would open hearts. And it did. Volunteers, many attending their first Keren Or event, left inspired to get involved. Local businesses pledged ongoing support. The ripple effect was undeniable.

For the children at Keren Or, this ripple is life-changing. One such child, Liora, was featured in a touching story shared during the evening. Born blind and living with cerebral palsy, she arrived at Keren Or unable to walk or communicate. Through years of patient therapy, she now takes steps with a walker and expresses herself through music. “When I hear about kids like Liora,” Dr. Berley says, “I’m reminded that this isn’t just about charity. It’s about giving someone the chance to live fully, to be seen for who they are.”

As the lights dimmed and the final notes faded, A Purim Night of Peace and Music left a lasting impression—not only on the audience, but on the broader network of those committed to making a difference. For Dr. Joel Berley, it’s all part of a larger mission to fuse creativity, compassion, and action. “We did something special here,” he reflects. “But the real magic happens at Keren Or, every single day.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Berley hopes to expand these benefit concerts into an ongoing series that continues to raise awareness and support for causes close to his heart. With each event, he brings people together not just to celebrate—but to serve. And in doing so, he proves that with enough heart, a single night of music can echo with impact far beyond the final chord.

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