Music has been called "the universal language of mankind" for its ability to both calm and excite individuals from vastly different backgrounds.  Music has also been referred to as "the medicine of the mind" due to its restorative qualities.  For several months, both the unifying and curative powers of music have been on full display at the Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital in Tel Aviv, where volunteers Leah Pitusi and Sonia Tirin conduct a weekly musical workshop for patients.

Though they spend most of their time training at Tel Aviv University's Buchmann-Mehta School of Music for professional orchestral careers, Leah and Sonia are passionate about their sessions at Reuth, using Classical, Jazz and Israeli music to connect with the patients, coax smiles and promote cognitive and physical activity.  Supported by longtime Reuth devotee Prof. Yair Orgler, this therapeutic and culturally enriching experience has lifted the patients' spirits and made a profound impact on Reuth's staff and volunteers. "To see previously despondent patients get up and dance is so touching, it makes me feel wonderful," said Leah.  "This whole experience makes my heart sing!"