In harmony: Jewish women connect through music

On a recent evening, a group of Jewish women gathered at Chabad of Squirrel Hill to rehearse for an upcoming performance.

It didn’t take the women long to learn the finale they will perform at “The Sound of Jewish Music” at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Katz Performing Arts Center at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill.

The 12th annual event is organized by Chabad of Squirrel Hill, an outreach organization that hosts programs, events and prayer services. It is a place to experience Jewish heritage in a non-judgmental and inviting atmosphere.

“This event was started as a means of bringing together women from all parts of the Jewish community,” said Chani Altein of Squirrel Hill, founder and producer. “It seemed music and art was the best way to bring women of so many different backgrounds and affiliations together.”

There will be 12 performances that include music, dance, visual arts showcasing the work of local female artists, and four, five-minute spoken presentations. The music is an assortment of theater songs, classical Hebrew songs, a Ladino song, a Klezmer medley, a Hassidic melody, and more. There will be groups, soloists and one song sung by everyone.

The show will last about an hour and 15 minutes.

“We all have different observances and different backgrounds,” said Lynn Berman, a member of the a cappella ensemble Kol Shira Pittsburgh, which will be performing. “Our differences are what bring us together. We find songs that speak to us.”

Courtesy of Chani Altein

Women of all ages perform at the annual "The Sound of Jewish Music." This year’s theme is "Finding Joy."

“Music unites everybody,” said Jessica Neiss, of Squirrel Hill, a member of Kol Shira. “It’s a part of all of us. It’s really a special evening.”

Elinor Nathanson of Squirrel Hill, who will perform a comedic number, said she loves being part of this group.

“It is such a wonderful group of women,” she said. “This experience with them every year is memorable.”

This year’s theme is “Finding Joy.”

“We want to celebrate the joy of all being together,” said Altein. “Women in this group are all connected through this evening. It’s a true sisterhood.”

Altein represents that sisterhood.

As the group’s leader, she is “a powerhouse and a planner,” said Berman, who will direct the finale and assist Barb Feige, of Squirrel Hill, in stage management of the show.

The event is for women only. In accordance with Jewish rules of modesty, Orthodox women perform only for female audiences, Altein said, adding that non-Jewish women are always most welcome to attend.

“It seemed music and art was the best way to bring women of so many different backgrounds and affiliations together,” she said.

During the show, there will be a woman playing a hand drum, one woman on clarinet, one on flute, two on guitar, and two on piano.

Courtesy of Chani Altein

"The Sound of Jewish Music" is an annual event that features music, dance, visual art and spoken presentations.

Maria Caruso, founder of Bodiography based in Squirrel Hill for more than two decades, connected with the group several years ago. She created women-only classes and choreographed a contemporary ballet piece for the dancing group called Rikud, which means “dance” in Hebrew.

“At Bodiography, we want everyone to feel welcome,” said Caruso, an Armstrong County native who lives in Los Angeles.

She said Altein is “one of the kindest human beings I know.”

“I consider these women my second family,” Caruso said. “It is so powerful to be able to support these women who might not have any other opportunities for a show like this. I am so proud of all the women. I love to be able to offer this to the women. The community they are building is wonderful.”

“The Sound of Jewish Music” is at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Katz Performing Arts Center at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill.

Tickets are $25, $18 in advance and $10 for a livestream option all available here.