Late Show's Paul Shaffer to Judge Shofar Contest in Herald Square Park!

Late Show's Paul Shaffer to Judge Shofar Contest in Herald Square Park!

NEW YORK, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- WHAT: Late Show with David Letterman's Paul Shaffer will judge atypical musicians gathering in Gotham to blow -- the Shofar. The legendary music director will be on hand to help the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) crown the Best Shofar Blower in the country. Judges will evaluate finalists' skills based on clarity of sound, accuracy according to Jewish law, length of blast and overall performance. The finalists will sound one united Tekiah Gedolah (a long blast -- a performance of endurance.)

WHO: NJOP challenged shofar blowers to "blow them away" by submitting a video showcasing their shofar blowing skills. After reviewing more than 150 entries, NJOP is bringing 10 finalists to NYC for the Great Shofar Blast Off finals. In addition to Paul Shaffer, other judges include music legend Kenny Vance, and modeling industry's Marlene Wallach. Shofar-blowing expert Amos Alter Esq. will serve as Chief Judge.

WHEN: September 22nd at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Herald Square Park* is located on 34th Street (between Sixth and Broadway) in New York city and is managed by the 34th Street Partnership (34SP.). The National Jewish Outreach Program has worked closely with 34SP in planning this event.

BACKGROUND: In advance of the Jewish high holidays, NJOP is taking the shofar from the synagogue to the streets. The Great Shofar Blast-Off is aimed, in part, at inspiring unaffiliated Jews to participate in NJOP's High Holiday Beginners Services which are held at synagogues across North America.

For information /Photos /B-roll, contact: Welfeld Public Relations: Ilya Welfeld, 201-439-1010, ilya@welfeldpr.com

About the National Jewish Outreach Program

Founded in 1987 by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald to address the critical issues of assimilation and lack of Jewish knowledge, NJOP is now one of the largest and most successful Jewish outreach organizations in the world. To date, more than 850,000 people have benefited from NJOP's innovative, free programs which have been held in 3,630 locations -- including synagogues, community centers, military bases and college campuses -- in all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces and 30 countries around the world. (http://www.njop.org/).

About the 34th Street Partnership

Founded in 1992, the 34th Street Partnership is a coalition of property owners, tenants, and city officials working to revitalize the District with major streetscape improvements, special security and sanitation services. Encompassing a 32-block grid of prime midtown Manhattan real estate -- from 31st to 35th Street, and from Tenth Avenue to the west side of Park Avenue -- the 34th Street District is packed with: more than 500 stores, including the Manhattan Mall, H&M, and Victoria's Secret; over 150 restaurant establishments, such as the Tupelo Grill, Tir na nOg Bar & Grill, and Nick & Stef's Steak House; and scores of world famous tourist attractions such as Macy's Herald Square, Madison Square Garden and the Empire State Building.

* RAIN LOCATION: Call 646-871-4444

Source: National Jewish Outreach Program

CONTACT: Ilya Welfeld of Welfeld Public Relations, +1-201-439-1010, or ilya@welfeldpr.com, for National Jewish Outreach Program

Web site: http://www.njop.org/

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