Being sent by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent Israel as a singer throughout Europe, performing to Jewish communities.  Lead singer in the 1994 ‘Shalom Band’ USA tour for Jewish communities . . .  in other words, I can’t imagine my life without singing.  Can you imagine life without breathing?

A woman’s voice is considered Ervah (nakedness) of a woman and it is absolutely forbidden for a man to listen to a woman’s voice. There’s a major dispute whether this severe prohibition is biblical or rabbinic, however, everyone agrees that arousing improper thoughts is a biblical prohibition. Therefore, one is not allowed to listen to a woman singing.  One may listen to a woman’s non-singing voice. There is a discussion in the poskim if it is permissible to listen to a woman speak in public.  These rule are accepted & followed by Orthodox women without any objections.  How blessed are Jewish women singers who are invited to share the Bimah (stage) at Reform as well as Conservative Synagogues.

Singing is everyone’s God giving gift.  Singing is everyone’s God giving right.  There is a big difference between singing and performing. Singing help us engage emotionally with words, as we connect the words we sing with our hearts. That is why chanting a prayer is so powerful.  In every culture and age, music is a language of emotion. It expresses, arouses, and speaks to our feelings. Music is capable of moving us in subtle and profound ways.  No wonder I love singing, striving every day to end on a high note.

Have a blessed day,

Yakira Yedidia