Hurry or you may miss out on your chance to enter Federation's "Israel: A Song In Our Hearts" community competition. Sing a song of praise for Israel in either English or Hebrew and submit it in either: MP3, MP4, WMV or MPEG format to jewishphilly.org/israel63 by April 13.

The competition is open to solo performers and groups who live in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware Counties. Cash prizes of $500 will be awarded to winners in the following four categories:

* Individual performers 17 and under

* Individual performers 18 and over

* Multi-person groups-17 and under

* Multi-person groups-18 and over

To ensure that all talented musicians can compete in this competition regardless of technological expertise, Federation's electronic communications manager will help contestants record and post their entries to the contest website. To schedule an appointment at the Federation offices in the Community Services Building at 2100 Arch St.in Philadelphia, E-mail: webmaster@jfgp.org.

The Philadelphia community will have the opportunity to vote online for their favorites beginning May 3. View them on youtube.com/Israel63, then vote for your favorites on Facebook.com/ jewishphilly

The three entries receiving the highest numbers of votes in each category will be deemed finalists and will be notified by e-mail. All finalists must be available to perform live at the May 22 Israel 63 celebration between 12:15 and 4:45 p.m. before a panel of judges who will determine the winners within each of the four categories.

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The panel is still in formation. But as of this week, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; singer and bandleader Eddie Bruce; Ross M. Levy, a musician who has performed for young audiences across the country; and Cantor Harold Messinger of Congregation Beth Am Israel, have agreed to participate in the judging.

Contest winners may have the opportunity to participate in Federation's Jewish Heritage Night at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, Aug. 18 before an estimated crowd of 45,000 Philadelphia Phillies fans.

Entry forms and complete contest rules are available at: jewishphilly.org/israel63. For more information, call 215832-0536.

Blank Rome LLP and the Jewish Exponent are sponsors of this community celebration.

The event will include an Israeli marketplace, ethnic foods and refreshments, special children's activities, and booths highlighting the many programs and activities of local community organizations.