On Sunday February 11, Meorot will hold its fifth annual production, and this year’s theme, “Redemption,” like all the past performances, is expected to leave the audience breathless.

Sorah Shaffren, who is co-creative and co-music director with her sister Naomi Schiff, said, “We select a theme that is intense, spiritual and Jewish in nature, and that theme finds expression through song and dance.” Meorot producer Miriam Pfeiffer said the theme will be all the more powerful, given the situation in Israel. “Last year, the theme was ‘Storm the Heavens,’ which relates to tefillah, so ‘Redemption’ is the answer we all hope for from our tefillah.”

Rehearsals began right after October 7, which was very emotional for everyone. “Our theme will be reflected through the lens of the current situation in Israel, and it is really on the top of our minds as we plan this amazing production.” explained Pfeiffer. All of the songs are about praying for redemption, beginning with personal redemption, then moving to communal redemption, and finally ending with the redemption of the world.

Shaffren ties the process with the chinuch goals of the production. She said that at first, the girls are coming to what seems like a modern dance class, but they slowly come to realize that they are, in fact, really part of something that is so much bigger than themselves. She said it becomes a huge takeaway for each individual participant in the production, of being profoundly affected by the experience, on both a communal level and on a religious level.

Shaffren and Schiff’s brother, Mordechai Shapiro, plays a role in the production as well. “Every year we sit down with him and write an original song for Meorot. Mordechai donates his time and talent towards this effort.” Many of the songs that have been written for Meorot productions have been featured on Shapiro’s albums. “This year we wrote a new song for the words of Acheinu, which we are excited to debut at this year’s performance.”

The idea for Meorot began when Pfeiffer, who also co-chairs the NCSY summer programs, was trying to come up with a creative outlet for her then-12-year old daughter who loved to dance. “We had this idea to connect with what NCSY does in the summer by establishing a program for girls during the year that would provide a creative outlet while showcasing their talents in a meaningful way,” she explained.

Pfeiffer immediately contacted Shaffren and Schiff to be the production’s creative and music directors. “They are the epitome of Jewish women superstars, and I wanted them to be front and center. As creative directors, they are responsible for so much of what this production is.”

The Meorot performance is a significant fundraiser for the NCSY summer programs, which affords kids from all different backgrounds the opportunity to spend the summer in Israel. “An 11-year-old girl in New Jersey who is coming to a dance class or a choir rehearsal every Sunday is really part of a community effort, which elevates the experience for the kids,” Shaffren added.

To date, Meorot has brought together girls from 23 schools from all over the tri-state area. With participants from all different religious backgrounds, Pfeiffer marvels at the lasting friendships that are formed and how the girls learn from one another. In its first year, Meorot started out with 50 girls, and now the production is up to 242 girls. It’s a high-quality production that becomes an inspirational experience for the girls, who are a part of this incredible journey of song and dance. “The girls receive technical vocal training and dance skill building, and then get to perform and show off what they have learned. It’s a beautiful thing to see,” Pfeiffer said.

Shaffren said that Meorot has also brought the girls a strong awareness of the performing arts and the opportunities they can have within the framework of modesty and the community. “Instead of pointing to their limitations, we have opened up possibilities for them and given them a positive outlet for which to express themselves.”

Pfieffer and Shaffren describe the dances as current and engaging for both the performers and audience, and the costumes are top quality while maintaining the highest level of modesty. “That the girls feel good and confident in their modest costumes is also something that we work very hard to achieve and is something that is unique to Meorot.” The musical selections feature well-known classics, as well as current popular songs, along with a few original pieces.

This year, Meorot is proud to welcome its new dance director, former ballerina Stacey Salkin, and new assistant dance directors, veteran Meorot performers Tali Pfeiffer and Yakira Smilow, and choir director, Baila Farkash.

This community event, for women only, takes place at the Bergen County Academies located at 200 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack. The first performance begins at 11 a.m., and the second one starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and seats are going fast. Prices start at $25.

To purchase your tickets visit summer.ncsy.org/meorottickets2024