Jewish teens stand up UNIFIED against bullying!!

Jewish Teens Call for 18,000 Peers to Sign Jewish Community Pledge

December 21, 2010 by eJP
Filed under In the Media, Media Release / Official Publication

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Jewish teenagers from the major International Jewish Youth Movements are taking on bullying and standing up for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer peers. In addition to publicly committing to end bullying and creating an inclusive environment in their own movements, the Coalition of Jewish Teen Leaders – the presidents of the International Jewish Youth Movements – has set a goal of getting 18,000 Jews to sign Keshet’s “Jewish Community Pledge to Save Lives”. This goal has been echoed by the Executive leadership of the movements and their staff.

“It is really exciting to see Jewish teen leadership take a strong stand against homophobia and to promote a vision of the Jewish community that fully embraces all forms of diversity. When Keshet began the Jewish Community Pledge campaign, we hoped that it would lead to exactly this type of action. As important as it is for Jewish adults to take a stand against bullying and harassment, the most important voice for Jewish youth to hear is that of other youth. I know that there are GLBTQ teens in each of these youth groups as well as unaffiliated youth who will see this letter and feel affirmed by their peers,” said Andrea Jacobs, Director of Education, Keshet.

Connected by their shared desire and passion for tikkun olam, the responsibility to repair the world, the CJTL has called on their membership to create a more inclusive and open Jewish community for today and tomorrow.

“BBYO, NFTY, and USY may be different in many ways, but our mission for the Jewish people is the same. We share a desire to impact lives, and bring Jewish teens together. The CJTL’s combined effort to stand for respect and inclusion is a significant one. Rarely do we join forces for a common cause, but in this case, Jewish teens have done just that. We are showing that working together, we are stronger than apart,” said Jeremy Sherman, BBYO’s International Co-President.

The CJTL asks all Jewish teens, as well as all those who work with Jewish teens and the parents and families of Jewish teens, to take a stand against intolerance. As Judaism tells them, they are created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and therefore, it is their role and responsibility as individuals, and also as a community, to always respect one another.

The initiative began this fall when a horrific spate of teen suicide due to homophobic bullying gained national attention. While each youth organization initially responded independently, it was a natural issue for collaboration for the CJTL.

“In taking a strong stand against homophobic bullying and intolerance, these teens send an extraordinarily powerful message that they uphold LGBTQ inclusion and equality as fundamental tenets of our community,” says Lynn Schusterman, chair of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. “These teens believe deeply in building a more welcoming community – one that treats their LGBTQ peers with dignity and respect, celebrates diversity and promotes inclusiveness in Jewish life. Together, by taking the Jewish community pledge not to stand idly by, they represent a united Jewish contingent on behalf of this vision.”

In addition to the collective efforts of the CJTL, the movements are doing major work within their organization to support LGBTQ teens and bring awareness to this issue.

• BBYO teens have released a new resource on combating bullying in partnership with the PANIM Institute of BBYO and have created an international effort, Stand Up For Each Other: The Campaign for Respect and Inclusion.
• NFTY has compiled an initiative called Living NFTY: Bullying Teasing and Harassment including programmatic and Jewish resources relating to bullying and Jewish responses to bullies.
• USY has released “Love Thy Neighbor, Lore Yourself,” a resource on building healthy relationships, which includes resources on the topic.

The CJTL had previously been convened to support disaster relief in Haiti and also Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament, but never before had an issue been so close and personally tied to their experience as teens.

Elliot Forchheimer

Executive Director

Westchester Jewish Council

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Westchester

701 Westchester Avenue, Suite 203 East

White Plains, NY 10604

914 328 7001 (phone) - 914 761 6309 (fax)

elliot@wjcouncil.org www.wjcouncil.org

Summer 2011 Promo Video Complete!

Here it is...let's get Meshuga'at

This is my official promotional video for Summer 2011 - footage from Summer 2010!

Enjoy and send to Camp-Folk you know!

Book Early, Book Often, Book NOW!

NEWS: I am a featured artist on Jewish Rock Radio!

NEWS!: My music is being played in rotation on the first high-caliber international Jewish rock internet radio station - Jewish Rock Radio!

You can make requests!! The more requests - the more I get played. JRR's on Twitter and Facebook. Spread the word. Share, retweet, whatever you do!

FREE MUSIC GIVEAWAY on JRR if you sign up Updates or follow JRR on Twitter http://www.jewishrockradio.com.

You can listen to JRR on UR computer, iPhone, iPad, iTouch or Android. Download FREE Jewish Rock Radio mobile apps by visiting the iStore or Marketplace on your phone and searching for Jewish Rock Radio OR link directly to the iphone/ipad app: http://itunes.apple.com/app/jewish-rock-radio/id393347609?mt=8

Thanks to Jewish Rock Radio - it really does rock. Seriously...just play it!

:)

hate is the abomination

Friends,

As you know I am a staunch advocate for equal rights across gender, sexuality, race and religion. My music often touches upon those themes in a personal way. Lately, I have watched as people from my own faith community

voice not only intolerance, but speak rhetoric against my LGBT Jewish brothers and sisters spoken "in God's name" - these people leaders of their own communities speak in the name of Judaism - but that't not any Judaism that I recognize or want to be a part of.

My dear friend whom many of you know from Storahtelling, Jake Goodman, co founded a group called "Queer Rising" to tackle these and other issues affecting the LGBT community. This week, please join Queer Rising for "In God's Name" on Thursday, December 16th (the eve of National Remembrance Day) in Brooklyn. It will be an opportunity for the entire Jewish community to come together to condemn this anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) rhetoric. Especially given the recent news of all the violence and self-violence against LGBT youth, this is particularly unacceptable.

The information is below.

There is also an image you can make your facebook profile picture or post up in as many places you can think of.

In the VERY LEAST, please help publicize this event and spread the information as WIDELY as you possibly can.

Please don't stand idly by!

Thank you!

Naomi

Date: Thursday, December 16th / Eve of National Remembrance Day on the 10th of Tevet

Time: 7:30-9:30pm

Location: Rally in Parade Grounds of Prospect Park (Coney Island Avenue @ Parkside & Caton Aves); then March up Ocean Parkway to 18th Avenue, through the historic Jewish Flatbush neighborhood

Speakers: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of CBST in NYC; Rabbi Maurice Appelbaum of Congregation Ahavas Israel in Brooklyn; a NY State politican and Jewish gay celebrity TBA shortly

Musicians: Shira Kline and Naomi Less

Endorsing Partners: CBST, Keshet, Nehirim, Storahtelling, The Power Online, Project ACHIEVE and Columbia University Medical Center, Jewish Chicks Rock.

Contact: Jake Goodman, jakebgoodman@gmail.com, (917) 613-1509

For more information, please go to Queer Rising's website (www.QueerRising.org) and check out our Facebook Event Page: "In God's Name"

Bullying and Genesis...talk about relevance

What can we learn about bullying targets and who's on the sidelines from ancient Judaism? More than you think...

This week's Genesis: step up against mob bullying.

R. Jonathan Sadoff (adath mnpls) invited me to help him blow this story open, exploring the Joseph story from quite a different perspective.

If you'd like to see our short interview and the song I shared live...

Please click HERE

to watch this short video.

Agnon School Article - "Rocker Naomi Less Entertains and Educates at Agnon"

ROCKER NAOMI LESS ENTERTAINS AND EDUCATES AT AGNON Combining a passion for music with her love for Judaism, Naomi Less brought her dynamic rock songs along with messages of empowerment and self-esteem to two Agnon programs as well as a lively benefit concert. On Friday, November 5th, Naomi led a special Middle School program on bullying that was attended by Agnon, Schechter and Ratner Montessori students in grades 6 - 8. After performing songs with messages of hope, strength and confidence, the group explored different roles that people play in bullying situations. They also discussed various ways to resolve these situations. In addition, Naomi entertained Agnon students during a specialKabbalat Shabbat assembly later that day. Her benefit concert on Sunday, November 7th -- with a special appearance by the HaZamirCleveland choir -- entertained as well as inspired the audience of 250. The concert was the third in a series dedicated to bringing quality Jewish music to Cleveland in memory of Merle & Arlene Gordon. Funds raised provide scholarship assistance and aid educational programming. To read more about Naomi Less in the Cleveland Jewish News,visit Cleveland Rocks More with Naomi Less.

Jewish Chicks Rock Store!! Get your merch here...

You asked, here it is.

Wear it loud and proud.

Encourage the rocker in someone you know.

Get your "The Real Me" and "Jewish Chicks Rock" wear here!

Yes, I know Hanukkah is about light and so many miracles...

But yes, we've developed this gift-giving tradition.

So ROCK those gifts out!

And if you want to have the live-in-person rock out session, booking info is here!

World Toilet Day - not joking!!

I must must share this with you. Some incredible activists, led by the Master of Ceremonies of Poop himself, Shawn Shafner (some of whom you know from Storahtelling) is putting on an incredible initiative launch which I will be attending. I encourage you to read below and make the Taboo Toilet Talk normalized...This event is for those over the age of 21, but for the teens who read this blog, you can get involved, too! Contact Shawn...

Celebrate sanitation at World Toilet Day on Friday, November 19th in New York City! The POOP Project invites you to join us in one of the many World Toilet Day events happening around the world, featuring an interactive evening honoring the miracle of modern sanitation while remembering that 40% of the world still lives without it.

Come Home Sweet Home to drink dirty martinis, give a “commode confessional”, and check out authentic “flying toilets.” Shawn “The Poop Guru” Shafner and Josh Sitron will be your hosts for the evening, with sounds, stories, and unmentionables provided by Moth storyteller and comedian Sara Barron along with word mavens Amy Carrigan, Adam Laupus and Lisa Lewis, musicians Avi Fox-Rosen, Megan Gerlach, Ben Lerman, Brian Carter PLUS buxom burlesque beauty Minnie Tonka and much more!

WHERE: Home Sweet Home, 131 Chrystie Street, New York, NY
DATE/TIME: Friday, Nov. 19, 2010. 7:30 pm Doors, 8:30 pm Performances, 9:45 pm Big Squat, 10:00 pm Closing
TICKETS: $15.00 tickets online, $18.00 at the door. Limited supply $3 drink tickets good for draft beer and well drinks.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

CLICK HERE TO READ OUR PRESS RELEASE

All proceeds benefit The People’s Own Organic Power Project (The POOP Project) in their mission to creative poop-positive spaces that spur creative thinking towards sustainable sanitation solutions for all.

a new bullying session

Wow, a whirlwind weekend in Cleveland.

Highlights include a session with parents and educators on Addressing Evaded Issues in Jewish Education, an amazingly rocking Kabbalat Shabbat program with the whole Agnon School,

Sat night concert with Sacred Rights Sacred Songs and its creator Fran Immerman

and of course, the benefit concert on Sunday afternoon at Temple Emanuel for the Agnon School.

But what I was arguably most excited about was the session I had with THREE middle schools - two Jewish schools and one secular school, who came together to talk about a pretty serious issue. Built off of the wisdom of Dan Olewus's Bullying Circle and with the design help from my friend and colleague, Mara Yacobi, the group explored roles in a bullying situations and what their resources were.

This is a new session for me - and I was a bit nervous about how it would go - but the teachers were champs, serving as volunteer targets and bullies, and the kids asked real questions - and gave real answers and challenges - even with a group as large as 150 kids!

Thank you for the blessing of learning and exploring together.

I hope that we ARE able to obliterate the "Potential Witness Role" and all move into the HERO/WITNESS role to help reduce the power of the bully!

Cleveland Jewish News News Local

Cleveland Jewish News News Local

An article about my upcoming visit to Cleveland...

But it also takes you on a trip through my mind and the reasons why I do the things I do.

Get ready for a bumpy ride!

:)

Re-turn, Re-new, Re-fresh, Re-whew…I’m pooped!

All of the “Re” words seem to surface this time of year for me. Why’s that? Perhaps it’s my schedule. I spend the year writing music, recording and rocking out all year and ending in an intense summer tour with my band and like a puppy dog, run and run and run until all of my energy is spent…then the collapse.

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that I arrive at the Re-turning and Re-newing season COMPLETELY depleted. I’ve given this some thought and it seems I’ve succumbed to a worldwide pressure to continuously innovate, re-create myself, build something totally new – or - get left behind. It’s EXHAUSTING. Who’s with me??

The world is moving so fast – and for us independent artists out there, whether you’re a musician like me, or a graphic artist, actor, dancer, culture creator – it’s getting even tougher. We now have added to our job descriptions: promoter, social media expert, graphic designer, business manager, pr machine, event creators, booker – oh yeah, and by the way, don’t forget to…CREATE ART! I feel like we need to REsurrect Susan Powders’ famous rant: “Stop the insanity”!

But the truth is:

Time won’t stop.

NY won’t stop.

Culture creation won’t stop.

Media progress won’t stop.

We have to remember what every therapist says to a client: you only have the power to control your OWN behavior, not the world’s. Right?

So, here’s my big epiphany – and it ain’t brain surgery here, folks. Take it if it helps!

In order to Re-turn to work, Re-newed, Re-freshed, Re-invigorated, I FIRST have to Re-charge my batteries! Aka: take my batteries out, put them in the charger and just be for a little bit. Be still, be quiet, be seated…just BE.

And trust me, easier said than done. This coming from a person who had to write bathroom breaks into her daily schedule when she worked at camp, or else she’d forget to go. But if I am going to continue to serve the community, to inspire young girls to pick up instruments and rock out, well, I have to model more than just power chords and cranking the volume on my amp. I have to be my best self – and that includes scheduling the time-outs that I need to Re-charge.

So thanks, Jewish calendar, for the month of Elul. Thanks, book of Nehemiah for naming the first Rosh Hashana, where my job is to sit, listen to words of ancient wisdom for deep understanding and relevance – step out of my schedule, out my head and listen closely for what the past can tell me about the present and future. This is another type of RE-CYCLING I can get behind…Pretty clever of you to set this time up just when I needed it. How did you know?

This post is part of Jewels of Elul, which celebrates the Jewish tradition to dedicate the 29 days of the month of Elul to growth and discovery in preparation for the coming high holy days. This year the program is benefiting Beit T'shuvah, a residential addiction treatment center in Los Angeles. You can subscribe on Jewels of Elul to receive inspirational reflections from public figures each day of the month. You don’t have to be on the blog tour to write a blog post on “The Art of Beginning... Again”. We invite everyone to post this month (August 11th - September 8th) with Jewels of Elul to grow and learn.

Fellowship for young women ages 16-22 - social justice projects!

Some of you know I volunteer every summer for the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls

Well, exciting news - they told me about an incredible opportunity for a special Fellowshipfor women ages 16-22 who are SOCIAL JUSTICE minded, APPLICATION DUE AUG 20:

INFO: The Sadie Nash Leadership Project, a young women's leadership and educational program, is currently seeking applications for the 2010-2011 ELLA Fellowship Program! ELLA is a unique program – it is a PAID fellowship for young women to design and implement a social justice project within their communities.

Qualifications: women ages 16-22, w/at least 2 years of prior leadership experience, can commit to attending monthly retreats in the NYC area, and are able to work on their projects for the 9 months of the fellowship program.

Visit their website for more info, tips on the application, summaries of former fellows & projects, and the application itself. The application is due on AUGUST 20th, 2010.

Contact shreya@sadienash.org or call 718.422.8664 with questions.

GOOD LUCK! Tell them Jewish Chicks Rock sent ya!

A High Holiday Message for you!

Friends,

A high holiday message from me to you:

Or visit my youtube page

And to book me, the band or plan Jewish Chicks Rock programming in your community this year, click here!

Please pass along to people or communities you think might be interested.

SHANA TOVA!

Camp Louise - you scream like it's a Beatles Concert!

Ok, so, this is my second ever visit to an All-Girls overnight Camp - this time, it was Camp Louise in Maryland!

As usual, we worked with campers on songwriting, on recording their words and melodies - but there was something different this time. They had such great counselors and staff working with them, encouraging them to be themselves - it's amazing what kind of environment you can create in an all-girls camp!

Here are some highlights!

Songwriting with the youngest girls about the Golden Rule!

An AMAZINGLY high-energy concert at night! Can you hear them screaming??

And some words from the girls - hey, Glenn, I think you made a fan!!

Camp Louise - our eardrums and our hearts burst at this gig!

Thanks for the love!!

And thanks to your amazing team there - special shout out to Shira and Robyn!

Camp Coleman - there are no words...

Well, try capturing a lifetime of experiences in one short blog post.

Sure, we did songwriting. Sure we did some workshops and programming...

But more than that, we made fantastic connections with so many people over the weekend.

Not only were the campers so amazing and smart and thoughtful (shout out to G6 girls and to the 7/8th grade girls, the 9th grade girls, Machon girls, well, BASICALLY all of the teen girls!), but the staff rocked it, and the camp committee was there as well, so I got to meet all of the people who really overtly show their love for this camp all year round!!

So a couple of things...

1. I HAVE to share the cutest lyrics from the "Frog song" the kids wrote (see all the way below)

2. I really want to share this video - talk about RUACH for YISRAEL - look at the ENTIRE camp singing and dancing to Tutim by Ethnix!! Check this out!

First read the words here

Now, watch this video!

Chorus Translation: Strawberries, strawberries, come we'll buy only strawberries

Instead of other war-machines.

THANKS, COLEMAN!!! Have a great rest of the summer!!

Camp Coleman Songwriting Experience! LYRICS ....

Verse (written by Sophie Hecker, G1A; Danny Marks, B3B and Ashley Osiason, G2A)

When frogs come out at night

Some kids are filled with fright

Frogs like to get ahead

They never want to go to bed

Pre-Chorus (written by Lance Madow, B3B; Dani Tylim, G1A and Marlee Gordon, G4A)

What are the stories of your childhood?

Can you please tell me?

Have you ever caught a frog?

Just listen and you’ll see…

Chorus (written by Dot, aka: Rianna Saslow, G2A; Jonah Miller, B3B and Noa Hechtman (G4A)

When night falls the bugs might sleep

But the frog won’t really slumber

The people might get rest tonight

But the frogs stay up late all night

When night falls the bugs might sleep

But the frog won’t really slumber

‘cause they’re having a party out of sight

Before the nighttime turns to light

Verse (writeen by Zeke Lafevers, B7A; Carly Novell, G1A and Emma Fiore, G3B)

As I walk back to my cabin at night

The sounds of the frogs gives me a fright

I almost ran but then I thought twice

‘cause the cute little froggies shone in the moonlight

Pre-Chorus

What are the stories of your childhood?

Can you please tell me?

Have you ever caught a frog?

Just listen and you’ll see…

Chorus

When night falls the bugs might sleep

But the frog won’t really slumber

The people might get rest tonight

But the frogs stay up late all night

When night falls the bugs might sleep

But the frog won’t really slumber

‘cause they’re having a party out of sight

Before the nighttime turns to light

CAMP JORI - what is UP????

Wow, first time visting Camp Jori - what a close-knit community, what ruach!

I met some fantastic staff who truly cared about their campers and were SUPER helpful in songwriting with the kids.

Here's some fun we had together:

Here's what the girls had to say about their experience working COLLABORATIVELY on songwriting and recording:

And of course, a CONCERT HIGHLIGHT. What would a blog post be without that!

JORI,

Thanks for the pizza, the cheering, the focus and creativity you showed and the hugs and warmth!

NEXT STOP....

well, we're out of order now, but CAMP LOUISE, you're on deck!

Camp Pembroke - these girls can rock!

Sorry for the delay of game. It's been a fantastic non-stop leg of the tour.

Highlights:

Camp Pembroke - all-girls Jewish Camp in Pembroke Massachusetts. This is one of two (or maybe three) trans-denominational Jewish camps for girls!

Aside from the amazing amazing creativity of the Eilat and Dimona girls (3rd/4th grade) - examples below, I had some incredible time with the older girls. We talked about music lyrics and the images they portray around gender - both positive and negative. I'm so pleased to hear the resilient attitudes and comments from the 9th grade girls!

Here's what could be the new Camp Pembroke song!!!

Cheers to Ellen Felcher, Sue, and the amazing rest of the staff there doing incredible work!

Next stop.... CAMP JORI!

Kingswood - 9th of Av - magnificent campers

I must say, Kingswood is probably our shortest stay of all the camps we're visiting this summer, but I can't tell you HOW MOVED I was by the words and spirit of the campers we worked with today.

It was the 9th of Av - and in my talk with a group of older campers about "senseless hatred" they created a song with magnificently powerful lyrics about discrimination, and "paving your own road" - not blindly following the leader.

Here are some examples:

Verse 1:

"I'm here on the floor in an empty room

There's nowhere to look and nothing to do

Discrimination hurts; discrimination stings"

Verse 2:

"Stay away from people

who lead you astray

Stop acting like a puppet

and throw the strings away"

And in addition to working with these talented, deep, amazing campers, Glenn ran a jam session (i got to play keys, a novelty for me!), I taught storytelling to an amazing group of new storytellers and last but not least...

I shared some music w/8, 9 and 10th grade girls during an intimate rest hour acoustic concert.

Thanks so much, Kingswood, for such a special day!

Crane Lake ROCKED!

Wow - such ruach. Such talented songwriting. Such a superstar lead staff team:

Crane Lake's new director, Debby Shriber, veteran Asst. Director Brian Mitchell and their incredibly gifted songleader Rebecca Schwartz - well, you know how this camp has made its mark on the Jewish Camp world.

We spent a gorgeous Shabbat together - singing, praying, composing and playing.

Then, the band girls (Hagar on bass, and Bat Or on guitar) joined up with Glenn and me to rock the house down on Havdallah and our full length concert.

here are some highlights.

- fri night beautiful services with an amazing songleading team in the beit am

- songsession rocked it and israeli dance - well, let's just say, i learned and relearned quite a few

- writing sessions with the oldest and youngest campers - both had very important things to say!

- havdallah - Jewish Chicks Rock-style

and then, of course, the concert!!!!!

At the concert, campers were going MESHUGA'AT!

And here are some of the older campers working on their original

song about being themselves!!

Thanks so much, CLC!

Rock out the rest of your summer!

teaser from Crane Lake Camp

Well, I know a post is still pending from Capital Camps - just waiting to get approval for the video clips, but I couldn't wait to post this pic of an adorable little Jewish Chick Rocker writing an original song for Glenn.

I mean really....

That's Molly Cohen, daughter of Crane Lake Camp's director, Debby Shriber!

Stay tuned for workshop and concert highlights from tonight!

Shabbat Shalom

Capital Camps - rocked da house

Woosh - back from Israel and already had a fantastic residency at Capital Camps. I think Glenn and I worked with almost every age group.

Not only was the staff fantastic - shout out to all the unit heads and counselors who jumped right in with their kids in our sessions - but the creativity all the way from the Benjamin 3-4th grade girls on up to the LITs and CITs was amazing!

Campers created music with a message - everything from needing to "unplug" for the summer, to not standing "idly by" when someone is hurting or in need. And the 6th and 7th Grade boys have made commitments to fight "stereotyping" in their bunks and beyond!

Here are a couple of examples of the amazing work these campers (and staff) did!

Benjamin 3-4th Grade girls are MESHUGA'AT!

LIT/CIT's work on recording their Chorus... and their reaction!

Here are the Reich 6-7th grade Girls working on a dedication to someone who's made an impact in their lives, as part of "The Real Me" acoustic concert/workshop.

SPECIAL TODAH RABBAH to Julie Finkelstein, Jon Shappy Shapiro, Hunter Gold, Karen Bernstein, Elana Kagan and David Phillips for being incredible hosts and to the numerous other staff members who helped us - too many to name - TODAH RABBAH!

Oh, and of course to Jared - for helping us shlep all of the equipment back and forth up and down the mountain! You Rock!

NEXT STOP: Crane Lake Camp and Eisner Camp!

Shabbat Shalom....

2010 Jewish Chicks Rock begins at Barney!

Welcome to the South!

Camp Barney Medintz is our first stop...

But first, allow me to introduce the band, pictured below:

You'll be seeing them all summer, so you should probably get to know their names and faces.

Hagar Ben Ari (bass), Glenn Grossman (drums), Me, Shahar Mintz (guitar)

These are not only some of the best musicians in NY, but the WORLD!

And here they are behind the scenes! Click Here

Our first stop was amazing.

Glenn and I worked with the Alufim'ers (8th grade) on songwriting, recording and drumming and were excited to rock out with the band for the teen campers at night. Here are some of the Alufim'ers hard at work on songs about their theme for the summer, Tikkun Olam (Repair the world). Here are a couple of examples!

So, we're ready to rock, and unfortunately, it seems mother nature had other plans. The heavens opened up on the newly repaired, freshly painted and sound-equipped "Chippy" (the ampitheater) and Jim Mittenthal and his amazing team, wisely made the decision to call the show after our second number. Glad to be away from the electronics in the middle of a LIGHTNING storm, but sad to disappoint everyone - especially such a high energy, rocking out group of teens.

Here's some video of the eeeeerie sky!

But that didn't stop Camp Barney - they know how to rock in ANY weather!

Thanks to Marissa, Udi, Steven, Matt, Bradley, Barry, Susan, Jim, ALUFIM and so many others for an awesome opening to the tour!

Next Stop: Camp wise!

Jewish Chick Baby Rockers!!!

This just in...

Youngest Jewish Chick Rockers in Chicago to date dancing to "Dah" (know)!

Some of my favorite moments

:36 - Hallel is headbanging

2:40 - a little interpretive choreography to connect to the words

You just HAVE to watch this here!

Thanks to Rabbi Heather Altman, or RAV YOGA for this great video!

Check out her amazing work HERE

Interview with Rew and Who?...

Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Rew and Who on internet tv.

Rew is an amazing independent artist, entrepreneur and (Jewish) chick rocker who doesn't let a thing go by - you have to be on your toes for her interviews. Was a ton of fun. (She even got me to mention a skeleton in my closet. Yes, we all have them.)

Mentions in this video (formerly known as "shout outs") to:

- Jewish Camps in Ohio, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Georgia

- Glenn Grossman and Mahavatar - one of the top rated Metal bands in NYC.

- Willie Mae Foundation Girls Rock Camp!

Rew rocks...

Here's the link to the INTERVIEW...

Next posting we'll be starting the Summer Jewish Chicks Rock tour!

l'il Jewish Chick Rockers across the nation

Haley from Chicago rocks out~

You Go Girl!!

We All Need a little affirmation sometimes, don't we???

You go girl!

Click this amazing rockin' chick!

Have a great Shabbat!

Naomi

an opp to help me play LILITH FAIR in NY - um..really???

Ok, so you know these competitions that make you sign in and give your email to "rank" and "vote" for people so that talent isn't really judged but the number of friends you have is?

well, I got sucked in - that's right - because I want to play LILITH FAIR, that's right LILITH FAIR, with my idols of female music. Lilith Fair is back again and wo-man-o-schevitz would I just about plotz to be up on stage with the current line up of talent.

Here's how YOU can make my dreams come true - maybe...

There are 5 days of voting left. I'm not even in the top 100 - but i'm close - i think I'm 110. That's not that far!!

Would you be willing to spend about 7 minutes (maybe less, maybe more) to help me on a wing and a prayer have this opportunity?

Here's how, if you're willing:

Cut and paste these directions below and send them to everyone you know who wants to see a Jewish Chick Rocker playing Lilith Fair.

Then follow these "step by step" instructions:

Step 1. Go to http://www.ourstage.com/go/lilithnewyork

Step 2. Click "Join Now as a Fan"

Step 3. Click Naomi Less' profile http://www.ourstage.com/profile/naomiless

Step 4. click FANS tab

Step 5.Click the green button that says, "THIS IS MY FAVORITE ARTIST" (my song, "The Real Me" will appear within the first 20 rounds that you judge.

Step 6. Click JUDGE - look for LILITH FAIR CHANNELS on the right side in RED

Step 7. Click LILITH LOCAL TALENT SEARCH: New York

Step 8. Begin to judge - you get 4 songs at a time. The Real Me (my song) should appear in the first 20 judging rounds.

There is some great talent so I think you'll really enjoy getting to know the local NY female music scene.

Also, it usually takes about 6 -8 rounds or so before mine pops up. So stay the course, and stay patient!

Thank you SO much.

There are 5 days left to vote - that's five days you have the opportunity to be extremely cool and helpful.

:)

Gratefully,

naomi

Jewish Chick Rocker In Training

Lisa Colton wrote:

Goes by the name Meira. 3 years old. In training to rock the mic.