Last Sunday, March 22, 2026, Beth-El Synagogue hosted a memorable concert of Sephardic Jewish music at the Renascença School Theater, featuring Fortuna, an icon of Brazilian Jewish music.
Shemá Koli:
Internationally acclaimed, Fortuna was honored in 2025 with the Pomegranate Lifetime Achievement Award for Preservation of Sephardic Culture, recognizing her outstanding contribution to safeguarding Sephardic tradition.
With more than three decades of artistic dedication, Fortuna has built a career deeply rooted in music and in the celebration of her diverse family heritage, reflecting the richness of the Jewish diaspora.
Among the songs performed, Shemá Koli stood out—a piece that captures the current sentiment of the global Jewish community, a heartfelt plea to the Eternal of Israel for prayers of peace to be heard worldwide.
During the concert, Fortuna paid tribute to individuals who shaped her life, including her parents and Iacov Hillel (z’l). The evening concluded with a moving homage from Beth-El itself, joined by the liturgical team with whom Fortuna often sings: Sabrina Shalom, Rabbi Uri Lam, Marcio Besen, Beto Barzilai, and the distinguished presence of singer Assussena, a longtime collaborator in performances and recordings of Jewish tradition.
The tributes highlighted not only Fortuna’s artistic journey but also her profoundly human qualities. Her warmth and sensitivity in connecting with people, her presence in difficult times, and her solidarity have offered strength to many, revealing the humanity that permeates both her life and her art.
Performers included:
Alex Parke (clarinet and musical direction)
Daniel Szafran (piano)
Beto Angerosa (percussion)
Ricardo Zohyo (double bass)
General Direction: Adrian Steinway
Photos of the event:
Silas Anastácio is a columnist for Guiame, the largest evangelical media outlet in Brazil, as well as JM Notícia and Jornal da Cidade Online. He has collaborated closely with the Jewish community and brings over a decade of experience addressing themes related to Israel and Jewish life in Brazil.