Shira

The Torah has traditionally centered on men, and music inspired by the Bible has often followed suit. But what if we could experience songs that embrace matriarchy and the Feminine Divine as the unquestioned core of our foundational narratives? How would it sound, and what kind of impact would it have? Central Synagogue is delighted to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition, Toratah: The Artistry of Transformation, with a concert hosted by Cantor Jenna Pearsall. This concert marks the album release of Zimratah: Songs of Toratah – a collection of songs that celebrate the language of Toratah, a revolutionary rewrite of the Hebrew Bible. In the exhibition and concert, Toratah reverses the genders of all its characters, placing women at the center of our sacred texts and opens up possibilities for gender diversity. This concert features acclaimed and stylistically diverse international singer-songwriters who composed singable melodies from verses of Toratah. Through their words and music, they contribute to the creation of a new cultural language. After singing and dancing with us, partake in a celebratory reception in our exhibition space to experience Toratah: The Artistry of Transformation, with visual artwork by BeitToratah.org founder Yael Kanarek. Songs composed and performed by: Shira Averbuch, Elana Brody, Koach Baruch (KB) Frazier, Au.D, Yuli Yael Be’eri, Yosef Goldman, Naomi Less, Rabbi Annie Lewis, Chava Mirel*, Alicia Jo Rabins, Miriam Rubin, Beth Schafer*, Basya Schechter, Julie Silver*, and Kohenet Dr. Harriette E. Wimms, and featuring our own Jenna Pearsall and Beth Reinstein. *These artists’ works will be performed by others in the concert. Executive Producer: Yael Kanarek Artistic Producer: Naomi Less Music Producer: Yuli Be’eri Advisor: Tamar Biala This concert is co-sponsored by SAJ, Lab/Shul, Ayin Press, JOC Mishpacha Project, LABA, and B'nai Jeshurun.