The Yemenite Experience
WITH SHLOMIT LEVI
Experience the soul-filled music and ancient culture of the Yemenite Jewish people in a lecture, with live music and interactive discussion. How did the Jews end up in Yemen? What was it like to be a Jew in Yemen? What are their unique musical instruments? Why is women’s’ music is so different from men’s? As the daughter of Yemenite immigrants to Israel, Shlomit will share her family’s stories from Yemen, tell about their journey to the Promised Land, and speak of how connecting to her Yemenite roots changed her life and her career. This lecture will include traditional Yemenite songs performed live by Shlomit, as well as a demonstration of Yemenite rhythms; colorful footage from a traditional Yemenite wedding ceremony (Henna); and much more!
Shlomit Levi is a renowned, Israeli Yemenite singer, lauded by the press as "The New Ofra Haza.” She performed on the largest stages in Israel and tours Europe and the US, drawing fans from all around the globe. Shlomit grew up surrounded by the culture and music of her Yemenite ancestors. Her musical project, Shlomit & RebbeSoul, transcends traditional and cultural boundaries, by fusing ancient melodies with sounds of today. Shlomit is a popular lecturer, offering programs to synagogues, organizations, and universities. She led programs at ‘Hillel Israel’, ELUL Beis Medrash, "Marom" organization, Bina, Kehilot Sharot Piyut, Limmud UK, Limmud USA, and more. Shlomit is also the teacher of the "Yemenite Style Song" course for the ALEPH Ordination Rabbinical Program.
*Private lessons in Yemenite singing are also available.
REVIEWS
TEMPLE SHALOM, MAINE
A captivating, beautiful and other-wordly voice, amazing stories, fascinating cultural insights, rare and extraordinary pictures, audio and video, are just some of what Shlomit brought to our community. She is a world-class performer but also an engaging, delightful and generous personality. The community ate up every single moment! Highly recommended.
Rabbi Sruli Dresdner
Temple Shalom, Maine
ALEPH ORDINATION
Ms. Levi, in addition to being a sensational professional performer with a beautiful voice and terrific personal presence, is a superb teacher.
Hazzan Jack Kessler Director, Cantorial Program, ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal
COMMUNITIES SING PIYUT
The participants were enchanted by Shlomit’s singing and her vibrant personality. They were raving about her teaching style and said it made them feel closer to the Yemenite heritage and to their own heritage.
Orna Zakay “Kehilot Sharot Piyut “, Tel Aviv
SOCIETY HILL SYNAGOGUE
Shlomit Levi's presentation was a rich journey into the musical traditions and culture of Yemenite Jews. Her gorgeous singing voice touched the heart, making the stories and history come alive!
Hazzan Jessi Romer Philadelphia, PA
