More than 500 women braved last year’s blizzard to attend the first-ever production by Meorot, a music and dance production company of junior high school girls from the yeshiva day schools in and around Bergen County. Hopefully, with the cooperation of the elements, this year’s production, titled “Elements,” will be a sellout. The theme of the upcoming production is an ode to the four natural elements, the building blocks of all material substances and the foundation for the entire world and all of God’s creations.
Meorot producer Miriam Pfeiffer further explained this year’s theme:
“We often marvel at the natural wonders that surround us but fail to acknowledge their make-up––those natural elements that are key building blocks and just as marvelous,” she said. “Through the art of song and dance, we hope to convey to both participants and guests the special qualities of the four key elements of life: fire, water, earth and air.”
The production will take place on Sunday evening, February 23, in the theater of the Dwight-Morrow School in Englewood. Under the direction of dance director and choreographer Elie Rubin, the girls have been practicing their dance sets at Dance Dimensions, a professional dance studio in New Milford.
Rubin, a professional dancer who has performed widely at venues including Madison Square Garden and is currently pursuing a BA in psychology at Touro College, shared her excitement over the upcoming performance. “I am excited to be working with the Meorot team to produce a fresh, innovative and upbeat professional show for Bergen County,” she said. “I am grateful to Meorot for providing me with a tremendous opportunity to provide a wholesome and creative outlet for the girls. It is a privilege to be working with such a diverse population of 60 talented, energetic and lovable young ladies.”
Laya Kaufman, the music director overseeing the musical component of the production, is a junior at Queens College. She herself has appeared in countless productions and has directed many choir performances. She plays several musical instruments and enjoys expressing herself through all forms of music.
Kaufman is looking forward to the upcoming production through which the talent and hard work of the girls will be showcased. “Music is the language of the soul,” she said. “The girls have been putting in countless hours into developing their confidence and joining voices to prepare for Meorot. I am inspired by their energy and look forward to the night of the production when they will share that energy with the community.”
The weekly choir rehearsals take place at the home of Naomi Schiff who, together with her sister Sorah Shaffren, plays a pivotal role in the production as the creative director. In addition to role modeling the combination of Jewish scholarship and musical talent, they perform together in the production. At last year’s production, they introduced their acclaimed Jewish music personality brother Mordechai Shapiro’s new hit “V’titen Lanu” to thunderous applause.
“As a mother of five daughters,” Schiff explained, “I am thrilled to be a part of Meorot. The women and girls of the community come together to celebrate the joy of performing arts in a display that will definitely ‘wow’ the onlookers. Meorot is no doubt a testament to the growth of our community that I have witnessed over the past 22 years living in Teaneck and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
Shaffren added, “Being a part of Meorot is meaningful to me as a female performer. Singing is part of who I am and I have never felt stifled or frustrated by Halacha. Meorot provides this opportunity for frum girls to display their talents in a fun-filled and meaningful way. Laya and Elie are wonderful role models for the girls who also serve each other as strong role models throughout the process.”
The proceeds from the Meorot production are directed to the Orthodox Union’s NCSY summer programs. Long-time Teaneck resident Miriam Pfeiffer, who serves as a lay leader for NCSY’s summer programs, is delighted that her daughter Tali, an eighth grader at RYNJ, will be performing in Meorot once again this year.
According to David Cutler, director of NCSY’s summer programs, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Bergen County community once again through Meorot. Their contribution to our 20 summer programs worldwide is greatly valued and appreciated.”
The Meorot production is overseen by a devoted rebbetzin committee consisting of five community rebbetzins, including Peshi Neuberger, Chaviva Rothwachs, Efrat Sobolofsky, Adina Weiner and Michal Zahtz. Questions concerning musical selections, dance moves and costumes are brought to this committee for consideration and approval.
Serving as Meorot chairpersons who have committed countless hours to arranging all logistics for the rehearsals, preparing the playbill, fundraising and spreading the word about the production are Mindy Daar, Jennifer Friedman and Rebecca Stein. Elana Smilow and Meital Teitelbaum have been involved with the costumes, ticket sales and fundraising.
Those most excited for the performance are perhaps the students themselves.
Leora Scheinbein, a Meorot participant in fifth grade at RYNJ, said, “I like everything about Meorot. Our dance teacher Elie is so energetic and fun and the group of girls are amazing. The time flies by each week and we learn a lot. I want to be like Elie when I grow up!”
Atara Rothstein, a seventh grader at Yavneh Academy, also praised Meorot. “I love to dance and it’s so nice for me to meet and dance with girls from other schools.”
Tickets for the event range from $18 through $180 and will go live on Jan. 27. Price should not deter attendance.
To advertise in the Meorot Playbill, please email [email protected].
By Pearl Markovitz
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