Jewish Chicks Rock

A teen stays true to herself - and teaches all of us along the way.

2011-03-29T19:07:00.001-07:00

This past weekend, I hung in Atlanta. I was pretty sick and did three concerts (through Limmud SE and Atlanta Jewish Music Festival) with a cold and laryngitis. I was feeling pretty worn out - but positive about the experience of connecting with folks. I love the work I do. And I feel like I offer something unique and have what to teach.

But, girl, was I in for a surprise - I became the learner when I went to the Weber School in Atlanta. My teacher was a teenager named Marina. (I am posting this with Marina's permission to share what she's done.)

I sat in on a session of the ADL - NO HATE club that's forming at the school. Their objectives are to eliminate hate not just from their school - but to teach younger kids in elementary school about tolerance as well as to eliminate bullying.

We went around and shared when there have been times we haven't felt safe being the "real me" - and everything under the sun came up: "i like heavy metal music and no one else does", "i like vegetarian food that doesn't necessarily look that appetizing", "i like to skateboard and i'm a girl", "I liked these shoes my mom bought but a boy in school wore the same one so people made fun of me - and I pretended I didn't like them anymore".

It's so tough to be a teen sometimes. And while I work with teens, and talk about it, sometimes I forget just how hard it is and how badly it can feel.

But Marina shared her story with me. And she reminded me that yes, it's tough, but yes, you can figure out a way to find the path to your own happiness. That doesn't mean you won't get some scars along the way - but, is it cliche to say, it can get better and you can make that happen often with the support of those who love you and care about you.

Marina, thank you for reminding me to always stay true to yourself.

Here is Marina's story: CLICK HERE

Women of ROI - here's your opportunity to approach gender in the spotlight

2011-03-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, they've done it! They've invested in their participants time and again. And this time, I think there's an excellent opportunity for women to advocate for themselves and take advantage of this opportunity.

ROI has established ROI MICROGRANTS for their participants to help support their innovations.

In my blog post about gender balance in the spotlight, I spoke about women serving on panels, in headliner spots, at conferences, etc.

Here's an incentive for women in ROI to invite their own voices into the spotlight.

ROI MICROGRANTS

(This program is available to ALL genders, sexual preferences and denominations - or non-denominations - of Jews! In the typical Schusterman way, they look to build as inclusive of a program as they possibly can! They are the champions of this work in the Jewish community!)

In case you don't know what ROI is, it's a Global Community of 550 Young Jewish Innovators.

The total amount of money available in up to $1000 grants is $100,000 - offered in order to empower its members in their creative initiatives and extend their impact on the Jewish world.

So, ladies, I call you to action - put yourself in the spotlight - step up and out and apply for a MicroGrant. Maybe this is just the incentive you've been waiting for to take a risk and put yourself out there. Your voices need to be heard!

A couple of details:

- ROIers can apply for a Micro Grant at any point during the year. There will be no set “Application Period” or deadline to stress over.

- Micro Grants will support ROI members in four areas:

Speakers’ Bureau – To sponsor or subsidize travel expenses to conferences or participation fees
Professional Development – To obtain special training and skill building opportunities
Event Sponsorship – To partially fund events
Corporate Support – PR, legal and graphic support

Here's how you apply: CLICK HERE

Let's do it!!

THANK YOU ROI!

a big week for taking a stand on justice issues

2011-03-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

I am truly inspired...and I am energized to do more.

It's been quite a week.

Let's review:

1. Jake Goodman and his partners at Queer Rising stopped traffic in midtown yesterday to bring attention to the fact that my glbt friends do not have the same protections under the laws as I do because I am allowed to get married based on my sexual preference. For a re-cap, click here! (The direct action starts at about 3:00)

2. I published my first essay online on Gender in the Spotlight - READ HERE - in ejewishphilanthropy.com about women's underrepresentation in Jewish communal endeavors and initiatives. I have been fielding many comments, suggestions, defensive responses and attacks as well as accolades and actions already taken to work on the issue. Please do read, comment and act!

3. Christine Quinn, City Council leader, spoke out on how the council approved an IMPORTANT bill on disclosing information about the services pregnancy centers in nyc provide. It's a truth-in-advertising issue that can impact our sisters, daughters and friends. The bill would have the centers post whether they perform abortions, offer birth control and are MEDICALLY LICENSED!! They did a study of these centers and found that they were giving mis-information and counseling women incorrectly! THANK YOU CHRISTINE and all of you working on this area of justice! CLICK HERE

and that's just in my little circle.

What has happened in YOUR world this week - who inspired you in taking action on issues of justice, fairness and equality?

Share share share and let's inspire each other to do more.

I will have more to share about taking a stand in a future post, but i just wanted to take a breath and acknowledge the richness of this moment.

Lo Alecha hamlacha ligmore - it's not on you to finish the work

Vlo ata ben chorin lhibatel mimenah - and you aren't free to not do anything (desist from it)

Vlo achshav, hey matai - AND IF NOT NOW...WHEN???

Hey Rabbi (Jewlicious) Yonah...Where the women at???

2011-02-16T18:04:00.001-08:00

sigh...

Yet again, I look on the roster of a Jewish music festival and find women grossly underrepresented.

the Jewilicious Festival

I have reached out to Rabbi Yonah numerous times to ask about the inclusion of women as headliners - and have had not one response from him.

Jewilicious Artist Line-up for this year

If Jewlicious is a pluralistic Jewish event, then women should be represented in the HEADLINERS!

If the issue is Kol Isha (not wanting to hear women's voices for fear that men's thoughts will turn to sexual content and not be focused on prayer) - then label it that and call the festival an ORTHODOX gathering. Don't hide the agenda behind a seemingly pluralistic event.

Are these words from the website lies?

Jewlicious is the most inclusive and dynamic experience for young Jews in the USA. It is not discriminatory against anyone based on religious philosophy, race, sexual orientation, political views or the like

Women are also grossly underrepresented in the upcoming TribeFest (Jewish Federations of North America) gathering as well - in terms of the musical lineup. Limmud seems to be the only org worldwide that is giving women their fair share of the stage.

But sadly, these are not the only examples...and it's not my goal to indemnify Jewish organizations, as I'm part of the system and solutions, not an outsider - but I've been watching this for years.

We are cheating the Jewish community from hearing women's musical contributions to Jewish culture.

How long must we fight this uphill battle that is so OUTDATED - I mean, COME ON ALREADY!

The time has come for people to wake up - and look beyond their noses to find the myriad women creating Jewish cultural musical work out there who are fantastic, community-focused, gifted, production worthy talent.

What will it take?

Artists like Chana Rothman and myself are out there, as watchwomen - keeping track, calling attention, speaking out, trying in any way we can to draw attention to this issue - and we're moving things inches. How do we move things more dramatically, move the mountain??

Do we really need a Women's Music Production Company? Do we need a Women's Music Label as Sarah Aroeste represented our idea in her Forward article?

Or will the Jewish Community wake up and start actively genderbalancing the stage????

Frustrated, saddened, but NOT GIVING UP!

Welcoming comments, ideas, strategies and PLATFORMS!

Naomi

Don't Evade the Issues! (Training next week - FREE!)

2011-02-09T19:28:00.001-08:00

TRAINING ON CRITICAL ISSUES FACING OUR YOUTH NEXT WEEK!!

In 1992, the American Association for University Women published a groundbreaking report called "How Schools Shortchange Girls." The report named a variety of topic areas that, while typically avoided in the formal classroom environment, are central to learners' lives, and coined these topics the "evaded curriculum."

Topic areas include:

Harassment and bullying
Sexuality and relationships
Gender bias, gender identity, and sexual identity
Eating disorders and body image
Substance abuse

Enter ADDRESSING EVADED ISSUES in JEWISH EDUCATION:

Over the last 4 years, Dr. Shira Epstein (JTS) and I have been developing and training educators across the US in a methodology to better address and NOT EVADE these issue facing our youth when they arise in Jewish programs.

Next week, I will be conducting the Second Training Session of the series - and you all are invited to come.

Don't worry if you weren't there for the first training, you won't be lost at all!!

Here is the information for the training. CLICK HERE

Date 02/17/2011

Time 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Location The JCC in Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street

To register, email eve@mayan.org or call 646-505-4424

Addressing Evaded Issues is now run by Ma'yan: Listen for a Change

Ma'yan's mission:

Ma’yan is a nonprofit research and education incubator that focuses a feminist lens on the cultural challenges and identity issues facing Jewish girls in contemporary society. Through research, innovative programming, and community events, we work with these girls, their parents, and their educators to provide resources that help all youth grow into critical, curious, and committed global citizens.

Jewish teens stand up UNIFIED against bullying!!

2010-12-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

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
Leave a Comment
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!

2010-12-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

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"

2010-11-22T08:54:00.000-08:00

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 7^th -- 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...

2010-11-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

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!!

2010-11-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-12T20:29:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-08-03T19:57:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

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????

2010-07-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-25T16:25:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-17T11:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2010-06-13T21:08:00.001-07:00

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?...

2010-06-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-23T07:36:00.001-07:00

Haley from Chicago rocks out~

You Go Girl!!

2010-05-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

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???

2010-05-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

Lisa Colton wrote:

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

feedback on the cd

2010-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was performing at a Reform Synagogue this past weekend and gave my cd to a pre-teen girl. I asked her for some feedback on the music, as my intention is to write for girls around her age. I asked her to be my personal focus group....

Here's what she said:

"I loved track 2 (Meshuga'at) it was phenomenal but track1 (Responsibility) was good. My dad loved it he was dancing to it.

track 4 (One Simple Thing/Hashkiveinu) and the middle of 5 (The Real Me) was slow but the rest of the track 5 (The Real Me) was back on then rock'n roll sound.

I will ask my dad to play track 2 at my sister's bat mitzvah"

In Summary, according to "H" in New York,

1. Dads and Daughters can share this music

2. Dads can dance

3. Meshuga'at is phenomenal and apparently a great Bat Mitzvah dancing song!

Thanks, H, for the feedback!

If YOU have feedback, please feel free to comment here!

Eve Ensler and being a girl!

2010-02-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

How many times have you been told: Don't be so emotional? Don't be so sensitive? Don't be a girl?????

Well, one of the most talented, powerful, enlightened and inspiring women of our time has come out with a new book. Her name is Eve Ensler and this is an excerpt of the book, as shared on Huffington Post.

You can see the original post here

and order her book here

Post your reactions and responses!!

Naomi

I AM AN EMOTIONAL CREATURE

I love being a girl. 

I can feel what you're feeling as you're feeling it inside the feeling before. 

I am an emotional creature. 

Things do not come to me  as intellectual theories or hard-shaped ideas. 

They pulse through my organs and legs and burn up my ears. 

I know when your girlfriend's really pissed off even though she appears to give you what  you want. 

I know when a storm is coming. 

I can feel the invisible stirrings in the air. 

I can tell you he won't call back. 

It's a vibe I share.

I am an emotional creature. 

I love that I do not take things lightly. 

Everything is intense to me. 

The way I walk in the street. 

The way my mother wakes me up. 

The way I hear bad news. 

The way it's unbearable when I lose.

I am an emotional creature. 

I am connected to everything and everyone. 

I was born like that. 

Don't you dare say all negative that it's a  teenage thing or it's only only because I'm a girl. 

These feelings make me better. 

They make me ready. 

They make me present. 

They make me strong.

I am an emotional creature. 

There is a particular way of knowing. 

It's like the older women somehow forgot. 

I rejoice that it's still in my body.

I know when the coconut's about to fall. 

I know that we've pushed the earth too far. 

I know my father isn't coming back. 

That no one's prepared for the fire. 

I know that lipstick means more than show. 

I know that boys feel super-insecure and so-called terrorists are made, not born. 

I know that one kiss can take away all my decision-making ability and sometimes, you know, it should.

This is not extreme. 

It's a girl thing. 

What we would all be if the big door inside us flew open. 

Don't tell me not to cry. 

To calm it down 

Not to be so extreme 

To be reasonable. 

I am an emotional creature. 

It's how the earth got made. 

How the wind continues to pollinate. 

You don't tell the Atlantic ocean to behave.

I am an emotional creature. 

Why would you want to shut me down or turn me off?  

I am your remaining memory. 

I am connecting you to your source. 

Nothing's been diluted. 

Nothing's leaked out. 

I can take you back.

I love that I can feel the inside of the feelings in you, even if it stops my life even if it hurts too much or takes me off track even if it breaks my heart. 

It makes me responsible. 

I am an emotional 

I am an emotional, devotional,  incandotional, creature.  

And I love, hear me,  love love love being a girl.

Eve Ensler, a playwright and activist, is the founder of V-Day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. In conjunction with I AM AN EMOTIONAL CREATURE, V-Day has developed a targeted pilot program, V-Girls, to engage young women in our "empowerment philanthropy" model, providing them with a platform to amplify their voices.

Jewish Chicks Rock: rockin' chick partners and other items...

2010-02-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Jewish Chicks Rock: rockin' chick partners and other items...

rockin' chick partners and other items...

2010-02-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

I want to talk about collaboration - I am a firm believer in "more = more". Sometimes it's hard in the music world when there are so many musicians competing for precious time from listeners to be heard. And that can foster a competitive spirit of quite the unhealthy sort.

In a few short days there will be an article coming out penned by Sarah Aroeste, Chana Rothman and me talking about collaboration between women rockers and what IS achievable. A big idea for all Jewish chick rockers!

So stay tuned....

In the meantime, a few updates:

- JCR is currently booking shows this summer at camps and programs - for more info click here.

- A new blog posting about Chana, Sarah and me - click here.

- Heading out to LA for Fri Night Live with Craig Taubman and a big Naomi Less show at Limmud LA.

Peace and love in rock,

Naomi

Little Jewish Chicks rock!!

2009-12-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

The youngest Jewish Chick Rocker to date, posted on the site.

Girl M (named protected) led her class in "Shabbat Sing" the other day - in front of the entire preschool! Girl M (whose mother shared that she chooses all of her own outfits) came out ready for school with a long sleved shirt and the JCR tanktop on. She told her mother, "I am going to lead singing today like my friend Naomi Less, so I have to wear my chicks rock tanktop like she does."

Way to go, Girl M!

Keep on Rockin...

A little sample for you...

Lights Ignited - hopefully towards Change!

2009-12-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

This past sunday, in a minivan loaded with instruments, musicians and Trader Joe snacks, Sarah Aroeste (the Ladino songstress) and I headed down to Philly to meet up with our Roots Rocker friend Chana Rothman to perform in our self-produced show: "Lights Ignite Change".

This event was all about three things:
1. bringing the community together around Hanukkah to celebrate with music
2. showcasing FEMALE talent
3. most importantly, that this female talent is committed to social justice and social change.

We invited many organization in the philly are to sponsor by promoting the event and promoting their programming - anything from the "Collaborative" which programs events for 20-30s, to the Jewish Farm School to the Philadelphia Moishe House special thanks to Rebeccah Karp) to a Dialogue Group focusing on peace initiatives through dialogue.

But we, as women and as activists, wanted to also, in this dark month of December, shed some LIGHT on a very very important issue in the Philly community, the Jewish community and the whole country. DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE.

Jessica Schaffer from the Jewish Family and Childrens Services in Philly came and spoke to the sold out crowd about this issue - that 1 in 4 (that's right, ONE IN FOUR) women in their lifetime will experience some sort of abuse or violence in their relationships. Often women lack resources to get help or even to leave - and JFCS is working hard through programming, hotlines and even CASH support to help women regain control of their lives.

We were just thrilled that everyone took information with them about this issue so that maybe they can help someone they know (or themselves) regain control of their lives.

The CONCERT itself was an amazing program of music that relates to Hanukkah and Judaism and social change - Chana, Sarah and I all sang with each other on our material - harmonies were flowing. An example here is Chana and Sarah singing Elohai Neshama here!!!!!!!

Thanks, Philly, for a great night.
Thanks to our sponsors, including the Philadelphia Federation Renaissance Group for the support.
And if you'd like a community event like this, please do contact me.
We were thrilled to create this for Philly and would love to do the same for your community!
naomiless@gmail.com

Jewish Chicks Rock: Along for the ride...

2009-11-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

Jewish Chicks Rock: Along for the ride...

Along for the ride...

2009-11-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Limmud NY asked me to write up my thoughts on one of the Torah Portions, Parashat Lech Lecha.
Here are my thoughts - it's called: "Along for the Ride..."

Parashat Lech Lecha is famous – particularly famous because this is the transitional moment when Abram (soon to be renamed Abraham) becomes a Jew. He’s directed to leave all that’s familiar, to the house where he was born, from his father’s house, and to go to a land that God is going to show him. Take a risk, go forth – journey forward with your life.

But who else is affected by this leap Abram takes? When one person grows, sets off on a journey, it affects their family members as well – and as is often the case, we don’t hear from those voices in the Torah in these moments. It’s time to put ourselves in the shoes not of just the hero on the hero’s journey, but of those who end up on that journey with him, for better or worse. How are those "along for the ride" cared for or considered in his pursuits?

Abram, our hero, enters this journey with his wife by his side. Sarai (she’s not yet renamed Sarah) goes through an intense journey herself, and some may say sacrifice for the sake of the (or his) larger vision.

The scene opens in Chapter 12 verse 10-20, we hear the story of Abram and Sarai heading down to Egypt. Yep, there was a famine in the land and three generations before his great grandson Joseph, Abram goes down to Egypt. Try, just try and imagine this scene: Abram, Sarai (and all the family flock who are with them) are about to enter Egypt when Abram turns to Sarai and reminds her of how gorgeous she is…

What must Sarai have been thinking at that moment – I know what I would think: “uh-oh, what does he want from me!” Abram continues on to say (Verse 12): “If the Egyptians see you, and think, 'She is his wife,' they will kill me and let you live.” Verse 13 says: “Please say that you are my sister, that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may remain alive thanks to you."

Imagine you are Sarai - Say I’m your sister?? Really? How will that help your situation? Would they kill you and take me away? What is going to happen to me? What are you saying? What is this place that we’re entering – such narrowness? Yes Mitzrayim – the narrow place. Do I have a choice here?

Does she?

Well, apparently, she obeyed in the end. She took one for the team, so to speak, for when they entered Egypt, everyone saw Sarai’s beauty, the Egyptians, Pharaoh’s courtiers, and they just up and took her to Pharaoh’s palace. Was there a goodbye? Was she freaking out? Imagine – you are being taken away from your husband and traveling family to a strange palace, with people who don’t speak your language, most likely – and will you ever see your husband again?

And back to Abram, in exchange for giving up his “sister”, he scored quite a boon – sheep, oxen, donkeys, camels – oh and slaves.

Abram – seems he got a pretty price for his wife, I mean, sister.

What happened to Sarai? How was that first night in Pharaoh’s palace, torn away from her husband in a strange land with a different language and customs? We don’t known.

The text doesn’t voice this herstory.

Now, lest you think Sarai was left to a fate of a “kept woman” in a palace, Pharaoh (in the Genesis Apochryphon) wasn’t able to have sexual relations with Sarai for TWO years. (This is built off of the Torah text in verse 17 that says Pharaoh had a ton of severe plagues.) But wait, she was “kept” for two years?

Well, ultimately, Pharaoh does let Sarai return to her husband when he finds out that she’s really Abram’s wife (and has a bunch of plagues because of this.)

What agency did Sarai have for herself if any? What was her experience through all of this? The text tells us that Abram asked her to sacrifice herself – he said please will you do this for my sake. And she apparently does. So should Abram not have gone on the journey? Should he not have gone to Egypt? Is there any blame or fault to be placed in this narrative? Could any of this been avoided? Abram went on a journey, but that journey impacted others – and so when we go on our own journeys, it’s important to take risks and follow our dreams and paths and callings, but also to make sure that we take care that the people who are impacted by our actions are cared for as much as we can care for them in that process. Let us not be reckless in our pursuits of greatness, innovation, change…When you leap, who do you take with you?

Boca brings it...

2009-10-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a gig.
Now, I know that I play out a lot and meet a lot of people, but I have to share this experience I had last night at Congregation Bnai Israel in Boca Raton.

As part of the Mark S. Bertuch Make-A-Difference Program, we played a concert and were asked to share some experiences about risk, resilience and Jewish values. This program addresses self-esteem issues, addiction and substance abuse, sexuality, teen dating abuse, just to name a few things.

(Thanks so much to Marilyn Asofsky and Cantor Stephanie Shore and to Susan Shane-Linder for the pics, powerpoint and powerful advocacy!)

As many of you know, these topics and helping teens to build life-skills that enable them to make positive choices in their lives is EXTREMELY important to me. I spent some time in between songs sharing some stories, some challenges I've had, or that I've seen and asked what the risks are to standing up against negative forces. The teens in this community blew me away - with their openness, their understanding, their respect for one another, the way they listened to each other. I learned as much if not more than I taught.

What a gift.

Rock on, Boca...

Jewish Chick Rock Fall update

2009-10-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Isn't Fall flying by? SO much has happened.

1. I got married - to my amazing co-writer/producer and drummer, Glenn Grossman.
It was a 70s disco wedding!

Other Jewish rockers helped out with the honors, including

Shira (Shirlala) Kline ,

J osh Nelson (Project)

and Chana Rothman.

2. It seems that every time I turn a corner, there's another Jewish band with WOMEN in it - which is AMAZING! Tons of Jewish girl bands popping up in NY.
Check out the Shondes and Girls in Trouble. And as always, my faves, Chana Rothman and Sarah Aroeste.

Are there any in YOUR community? We're starting a movement, women! Get out there and express yourself!

3. And speaking of: I am in need of another female guitarist - so if you know any rockin' women who can shred on guitar, please put them in touch with me!

4. CALLING Pre-Teen and Teen Jewish girls in the five boroughs of NYC who want to rock out and learn how to play in a band and write music. We're going to start a Jewish Chick Rock Club this year - so put me in touch with your parents. (jewishchicksrock@gmail.com)

5. Jewish Chicks Rock SOCIAL MEDIA
We're learning all these social media tools, which I'm really psyched about.
We have a twitter name (jchicksrock) so follow us.
Also, feel free to re-tweet this - there's a button on the right hand side!

And as always, if you'd like us to come to YOUR neighborhood, please do get in touch.
Check out the tour schedule below.

Peace, love and chick-rock!

2009-10-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

Camp Poyntelle and Lewis Village

2009-08-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

I have been traveling and training so much that I haven't had time to reflect and say THANK YOU to the amazing community at Camp Poyntelle and Lewis Village. Earlier in July, I had the opportunity to hang out with some amazing kids and teens who opened their hearts and creative minds to create music with message - to think about creation, about relationships and put out to the world what they'd like to see - in songs!

While I can't (yet) share some video or pictures from that as we need to get permission from parents first, I can share with you some a couple of things:

This first video clip is an activity I did with the pre-teen girls about bullying - and standing against it. We used a song I wrote called Responsibility (check the song out here) and then you'll see what we did.

The next clip is of the campers' voices singing with me in a concert Glenn Grossman and I did for them at the end of our time there.

We had such a blast writing, recording and rocking with them. I learned so much from each and every camper and staff!

Check out what they wrote about in our songwriting session:

And here's to their outgoing director, Debby Shriber - we wish you a fabulous end of the summer and an awesome and easy transition into your new camp - URJ Crane Lake Camp!

Debby - you rocked it at Camp Poyntelle and Lewis Village and you're going to ROCK IT at Crane Lake! B'hatzlacha! Good luck!

Naomi listed in UK top rec's of Jewish music

2009-07-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

Music lover and promoter David Stern (UK) lists me among a few other STELLAR musicians bringing it to the Jewish music scene...

Watch here!

JCR giveaway thru "Cool Jew" Love Day Giveaway - Tu B'av!

2009-07-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

JCR is thrilled to be participating in The Cool Jew Love Day Giveaway Celebrating Tu B'Av

Eight cool Jews and I have donated altogether $175 worth of gifts in celebration of "Tu B'Av," a day on the Jewish calendar that is for Jewish sweethearts. In ancient times Tu' B'Av was celebrated by young single women dressing in white and shaking their groove things in vineyards; young men from all 12 tribes would sneak-a-peek, hoping to find their future wives. We've come a long way from that point - haven't we ladies? Today, many Jews will be celebrating love at parties rather than vineyards -- on August 5th.

Want to win? There are two ways to win the Gift Box:
(1) Enter to win at http://tinyurl.com/lovedaygiveaway by submitting your answer to this question:"What Do You Love About Being Jewish?"

Or

(2) If you are in LA, celebrate at LoveFest 2009, organized by JConnectLA and featuring live performances by Moshav, Rav Shmuel, DJ Eric Rosen and more. One lucky guest will be chosen to win the Cool Jew Love Day Gift Box. Join LoveFest at 8 pm, August 5th, at the Bungalo Club in Los Angeles. For more information, visit jconnectla.com.

(No purchase is required to enter. This contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada 18 years old and older.)

Cool Jew Love Day Gift Box contains:

* My Meshuga'at CD, Jewish Chicks Rock
women's tank top and temporary tattoos ($30)
* Ladino chick rocker Sarah Aroeste's Puertas CD ($15)
* Chick Author who ROCKS Lisa Alcalay Klug's book
Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe ($13)
and manyt other amazing gifts!

JCR heads out to LA in November - mark your calendars

2009-07-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm very honored to say that this November 5-7, I will head out to LA to serve as the Colker-Klein –Shapiro Artist in residence at Pressman Academy. The head of school, Rabbi Mitch Malkus, is a visionary in terms of building a cohesive community filled with different kinds of learning for all of the institutions that live in that building.

If you live in the LA community, please be in touch - there may be a possibility that they'll open up the Sat night havdallah and concert to a larger community!

Peace and Shabbas...

Naomi

JCC University (camp) Rocks with JCR!

2009-07-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

This past week was VERY full in JCR-land.

All week I've been volunteering for an amazing program called Willie Mae Girls Rock Camp. It's a week-long camp for girls from 7 to 17 or maybe a little older. I served as a band coach and vocal instructor and worked with AMAZING volunteers and incredibly brave girls. The philosophy is that everyone rocks and that anyone can learn to be in a band. check it out: http://www.williemaerockcamp.org/

In the MIDDLE of the week - July 8th - my partner and honorary Jewish rock chick, Glenn Grossman worked with the talented staff at the JCC in Manhattan to produce a day of ROCK for the JCC Uninversity (camp) program.

Videos to come! Stay tuned!
(And to protect the identities of the kids, all faces have smiley faces on them! But trust me, they were smiling - we all were.)

The kids got a chance to:

- Write a song

-Record their song

- learn to play the drums AND perform live

Staff joined in the fun!

If you want to book Jewish Chick Rock programming in your community, be sure to contact me - naomiless@gmail.com

the old becomes new and the new becomes sacred

2009-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well...for the last week I've been working with about 120 innovative, caring, socially conscious, passionate Jewish change-makers who are commmitted to making a difference in the world. Beyond being inspired, I laughed, cried (from laughter), made connections, helped others make connections and built a ton of new friendships.

One of the beautiful things about this is that these change-makers are not throwing away history's contributions - they know on whose shoulders they stand and are jumping off those shoulders to reach a higher ground. The saying "the old is renewed, and the new becomes sacred" really sums it up.

And here's a cute example - Tel Aviv, a bassist committed to helping the environment (Anthony Rogers Wright), a guitarist from the UK committed to enabling people to volunteer to fix the world (Dan Berelowitz) and me, a feminist committed to helping young girls and women actualize their full selves - singing an oldie but a goodie with full-community-participation.
Click here for the impromptu band: "CollabaROI"

or just click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwoEOZZBHY4

For more info on ROI or the ROI Summit go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwoEOZZBHY4

Jewish Chicks Rock the ROI Summit

2009-06-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

I am inspired.
I am inspired by others' passions.
I am inspired that these passions are for the good of the world AND the good of the Jewish global community.
I am inspired because I am seeing the future.
I am inspired because much of the future I'm seeing comes from visions of Jewish women I'm meeting.
I am inspired because I actually see the future of the Jewish woman in front of my eyes at the ROI Summit here in Tel Aviv.

Bringing together Jewish leaders from all over the world in all different kinds of fields (which over 55% represented are WOMEN) can build an enormous amount of creativity and excitement. But more than that, it can build bridges between people who are doing similar work in various places in the world.

For instance, there's a fantastic Jewish woman who's doing a Girls Rock Camp in Washington DC...we met up and are plotting and planning with national eyes!!!

There are women who are filmmakers, storytellers, culture event creators, band managers, creating visions for the future of Israel, helping to feed the poor in many ways, from every country imaginable.

I am truly inspired by the sheer volume of INCREDIBLE Female Jewish Role Models!

my first radio interview...

2009-05-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone...
A great and challenging interview about rock, music, industry double standards, madonna, sex, Jews and the whole kitchen sink!!

Go to:
http://www.legendsradio.net/

Look for archive date May 27, 2009

fast forward to minute: 94:09

Let me know what you think below (post a comment!)

Naomi

On the Radio tonight

2009-05-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough...I was interviewed on a net radio station that is focused on wrestling.
Associate Producer of "The Wrestler" and radio host Evan Ginsburg had me on his show tonight.
If you go to the link here, "The Real Me" - my rock tune about really being yourself - the real you - is playing on the site. Click Here!

The archive of the show should be available in a couple of days.
Highlights:
- ageism in the music industry
- double standards of female image in the music industry versus male
- anti-semitism and zenophobia
- a bit about my mission

It was super fun to speak with someone with such a fabulous knowledge of music and the world.

Please do check out his weekly show (every wednesday.)

Here's the link again: Legends Radio

If you want to listen to the full version of The Real Me, you can visit my website!
Lemme know what you think!
Peace...

LA Gig - Room 5 Lounge benefitting Beit T'shuvah

2009-04-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

What an AMAZING night...in a cozy lounge on La Brea in LA - people gathered young and old - male and female and folks in between to celebrate women in music!!!

I looked out in the crowd, who'd come to see three different groups of women, styles, shapes, voices, etc, the room celebrating, supporting and singing along with laughter, moments of intimacy and spirit!

Janeen Rae Heller kicked it off with her saw (literally) and her beautiful melodies, followed by Laura Bagish and then Rebekah Mirsky - letting her "cantorial" hair down and seeing her other side! The two paired up for a moving duet of a nightime Shma that made me cry!

And I ended the evening with a set, reuniting with my dear friend who moved from NYC to LA this year, Elana Artchizel (pictured below) who both gave us a sweet beat and mc'd the event!

An added highlight is that my uncle (who was in from chicago) surprised me coming out to see the show with my cousin greg...amazing!

Props to JT Productions for booking the night, and to my amazing designer (for the flier) as well as to our partners at Birthright Next and of course the beneficiary of the proceeds, Beit T'shuvah

Limmud NY Spring Sampler - March 2009

2009-03-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

What an amazing night at Limmud NY's Spring Sampler.
There was love and care in the air - with an excitement towards learning.

Here's a short little clip from my performance there...listen to everyone's beautiful voices as they sing about their power to help other people!

This is called "What You Give"
Guitarist featured: Mikal Evans
Filming by JCR Street Team Founder - Mara Berde

If you can't see it, you can also go to the You Tube Channel:

Limmud NY - I learned a lot...

2009-01-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

Brrrrr.....
It's cold up in Ellensville, NY - home of Limmud NY. The heat went out. The conference was almost cancelled...

But the warmth of amazing Jews wanting to be together, to celebrate diversity and to educate themselves and others in the Tradition made for a very special environment.

This was a big gig for me.
1. It was my first Limmud and I'm hooked.
2. I performed a rock show with my band on the heels of a performance by one of my favorite musicians and people in the world, Josh Nelson.
3. I explored a couple of new workshops - one of which was a songwriting workshop for girls.

Here's what I learned at Limmud:
- attitude is everything
- the small voice is often the most powerful
- just when you think you can't play cause your fingers are frozen, you connect with someone in the audience and it warms your whole body so you can play on.
- people want to see more chicks playing instruments on stage.

Thanks, Limmud community, for enabling me to learn!

Naomi

what are we teaching our girls

2008-12-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

So...Here's my latest.

I'm obsessed with the song "All the Single Ladies" by Beyonce
the beat is AMAZING! It's intoxicating - you can't help dance.
(While it's by Beyonce, the lyrics, like for many pop stars, were written by men: Christopher "Tricky" Stewart; Terius Youngdell Nash, better known by his stage name The-Dream and Thaddis "Kuk" Harrell. This team also wrote Rhianna's "Umbrella" which is a much sweeter and upstanding lyrical song!)

Is it a feminist song?
Beyonce's producers put it out as one...

And then...
I watch the choreography - (watch the video on youtube)

And then...
I listen to the words
"If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don’t be mad once you see that he want it
If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it

I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hips
hold me tighter than my Dereon jeans
acting up, drink in my cup
I could care less what you think
I need no permission, did I mention
Dont pay him any attention
Cuz you had your turn
But now you gonna learn
What it really feels like to miss me"

And then I see this copycat video and it becomes pretty clear:
http://perezhilton.com/2008-12-17-we-were-wrong
Watch this and tell me what you think we're teaching our little girls...

I'm really curious to hear your reactions.
Is this empowerment?

Please do comment.

Naomi

One Simple Thing - LIVE in Cleveland

2008-11-29T12:46:00.001-08:00

Click on the video below for faster streaming!

Amazing new web-show - Go Amy Poehler!

2008-11-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

While I'm not sure how I feel about their sponsorship being from Barbie (aka: unrealistic figures, shapes and sizes of women - see The Tribe movie and you'll get it) I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the new series that Amy Poehler has put together.

Smart Girls at the Party!
I love the take of of the "charlie rose" type of interviewing that they do and that they're interviewing girls about being themselves!

It's awesome!
As a Jewish Chick Rocker who promotes messages about being yourself and being strong with your convictions and choices in life, I totally recommend that you girls watch these videos.

Rock on, Amy and Co.

Jewish Chicks Rock: Jew Spot Interview and Cleveland Rocks 11.23.08

2008-11-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Jewish Chicks Rock: Jew Spot Interview and Cleveland Rocks 11.23.08

Jew Spot Interview and Cleveland Rocks 11.23.08

2008-11-23T20:06:00.000-08:00

Friends,
Jew Spot Blogger Monica Rozenfeld published the following interview today. It really captures the essence of why we're on this mission.

I'm just flying so high right now because I'm in Cleveland with some amazing folks - I'm here for Storahtelling's performance of Becoming Israel, but I had the opportunity to work with 50 7th - 12th graders today at Bnai Jeshurun Congregation.
Here's a short video clip:

One Simple Thing 11.23.08

Early one sunday morning in Cleveland, I had the opportunity to play for and talk with some amazing teens at Bnai Jeshurun Congregation!

Naomi Less on iLike - Add iLike to your MySpace

I was so inspired I was by the juniors and seniors. I sat with about 11 of them and played them the track Responsibility (check it out at www.naomiless.com) The song is about injustice and what happens when someone doesn't speak out - person to person injustice. What's your Response-Ability!?!?!

So I ran through the song and some discussion questions with the students, shared two suggestions for facilitating to them:
1. Don't be afraid of the silence - when you put a question out there, sometimes it takes 15-20 seconds for someone to respond.
2. Try to invite as many people to participate as possible and not have the same two people answering all the time.

Well, they teamed up with a partner and facilitated amazing conversations about justice, their schools and lives, when they've found it challenging to stand up for someone, the risks involved, etc. And did an INCREDIBLE job.
WAY TO ROCK IT, CLEVELAND!
My thanks to Rabbi Hal and Erika Rudin-Luria for making this happen!
More tomorrow...
Very inspired,
Naomi

Cool Jew-ess Rocked it last night...

2008-11-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

Amazing gathering last night - seems the women are making a dent. There was almost an even split of female and male acts at Lisa Alcalay Klug's "Cool Jew" book launch last night at the JCC Manhattan.

We performed surrounded by old Jewish signs that are being featured at an art event - it's Rabbi Michael Strassfeld's collection! (I put together a band for his congregation, SAJ - come join us once a month on Saturday mornings!) Here's a picture:Fellow Chick musicians, Chana Rothman, Michele Citrin and Ladino rocker Sarah Aroeste (pictured in red) rocked in their unique and diverse styles along with Storahtelling's own Franny Silverman. It's interesting, all the male performers were observant Jews - two ultra-ortho-garb wearing (Yisrael Campbell - my favorite favorite hilarious chasid!! and Rav Shmuel as well as the dudes from Blue Fringe) and all the women rocked out to their own post-denominational version of Judaism - what do you think that means?

Jewish Chick Rock Street Team members Mara Berde (President) and Monica Rozenfeld (from The Jew Spot) came out to support the event and support JCR as a Movement.

Monica writes about it in her blog.

and now...
I'm off and running - to perform and work with some teens at Bnai Jeshurun Congregation in Cleveland! Talk about a rabbi who rocks - get to know Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria...i mean FOR REAL!

AND, if you're around Cleveland on Wednesday this week - come on out to Vine and Bean Cafe where I'll be doing a solo set!

Peace and Midwesterners!

JCR invades GoGirls NYC Music Fest 11.14.08

2008-11-16T20:35:00.000-08:00

I love playing Jewish music for Jews - I love to see people connect to their heritage, culture, tradition and spirituality in a different way than perhaps they're used to.

I also LOVE playing Jewish music for secular, not exclusively Jewish audiences. I love to be reminded that Judaism is a unique and special take on the world - and quite exotic - as I've been told - in that it's so ancient yet consistently being renewed and reinterpreted.

This is the experience I had on Friday night.
The band played as part of a women's music festival at Hank's Saloon in Brooklyn. It was so awesome singing "Hashkiveinu" and seeing the whole audience vibing to the incredible beats that Glenn put out there on the drums. It was awesome hearing everyone say "Meshuga'at" knowing that they're speaking a language that's ancient and new all in the same breath!

I was terribly proud of Judaism at that moment!

Here's a little pic from the event.

Rock on everyone!

JCR and Avoda Arts on the Move 11.12.08

2008-11-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

This has been a busy week for the project!

On Tuesday, Nov. 12th Avoda Arts on the Move invited the band
to perform for amazing students at Baruch College - it's a special program to bring more Jewish cultural arts to the NYC based campuses! Baruch student Elina Bank (head of the Jewish Women's Association and on the Hillel Board) worked hand in hand with Arts on the Move program staff and arts advocate Jackie Miller to create an incredible event.

Hillel Director Matt Vogel rocked out with Jackie Miller...(above right)

Event organizer Elina Bank with the band as well as the Hillel Student President Manashe!

This was the debut of bassist Jillian Laboi and guitarist Lisa Bianco!

(Also featured is musical director Glenn Grossman and me.)

Notice the great Israeli flag they put up - little did they know I'd be doing an acapella version of Shir L'Shalom (Song of Peace)!

What an amazing group of students and incredible set of organizers!

Official JCR Street Team Convenes! 9.25.08

2008-10-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it happened. It's official.

Mara Berde - the fearless leader of the Jewish Chicks Rock Street Team - convened 5 other fabulous rockin' Jewish women to passionately plot and plan the next steps to market the Jewish Chicks Rock Summer 2009 tour and beyond!

Publish Post

Pictured: (top from left to right)
Monica Rozenfeld (The Jew Spot blog chief), Mara Berde (prez and founder of street team), Joelle Asaro Berman (communications whiz of FJC fame), Hope Chernak (videographer and amazing Jewish educator), Naomi Less (Jewish chick rocker) and Molly Przetycki (production and marketing genius). Unfortunately one member was injured - SaraBeth Berman - whose brilliant project management skills were sorely missed. (A speedy recovery, SBB!)

With Naomi's first solo album focusing on Jewish chick rock almost complete, plans are gearing up for a major summer tour - entitled: The Response-Ability Tour

Check back here soon for more info on programming, concerts and other exciting news!

NEW BASSIST!

2008-09-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Exciting news...this will be a short post.
After months of hunting for an amazing chick bassist for the project, we found one!
Her name is Jill Laboi
and she ROCKS!

She's played bass for 14 years, studied at the Julliard school, and has been playing off broadway, tours, and session work.

She is thrilled to come on board, as are we to have her!

More on Jillian soon!

Naomi

Is summer over? Thank all of YOU for a great one!

2008-08-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hiya!

It's hard to believe that so much has happened this summer - and that I'm going to enter Elul soon - the Jewish month where reflection begins and taking stock of who you were this last year becomes front and center in our minds.

Summer can't end - can it? I don't want it to. I feel like it just started - it makes me wonder why I live in NYC - if I hate summer ending so much - but who can say goodbye to this crazy city with it's ups and downs? I would probably be pretty bored anywhere else!

So, let's do a little reflection of all of the people and places that I've visited this summer who've rocked my world. My way of showing appreciation Is by giving someone a ROCK ON!

MAY:
Rock On to the AMAZING counselors and senior staff, directors and co-trainers at the five UJA Federation camps in NY - Poyntelle, Berkshire Hills Emanuel, Eddie Isaacs, Surprise Lake and Louemma! You all are amazing! Shout out to Shalom Orzach for his support in making sure that counselors are trained to be inclusive as possible in the bunk!

Rock On to the amazing trainees and Trainers that are part of the Keshet Training Program! Huge shout out to Jake Goodman, Shira Epstein (my co-trainers featured left) and Andrea Jacobs at Keshet!

JUNE:
Rock On to the awesome counselors at Camp Ramah in California! You all are incredible! Huge thanks to R. Dan Greyber and Zach Lasker - you two ROCK! Shout out to Eli!!

Rock On to the amazing team of professionals at U of Chicago and Northwestern University (go Cats) Hillel - and to the awesome people from the Hillel International Center in DC. Groundbreaking work in emerging adulthood - a privilege to present to you all! Shout out to Jane Shapiro, Dan Liebenson, Josh Feigelson and R. Scott Aaron! Can't wait to spend Yom Kippur with you all at University of Chicago! It's going to ROCK!

JULY:
Rock On to the amazing educators and leaders who I trained at the Leadership Institute for Congregational Educators. And Rock On to Evie Rotstein who directs this program. Huge thank you to my partner in crime, Dr. Shira D. Epstein, for taking me on our project "Addressing Evaded Issues in Jewish Education!" (See, there's me training for this program!)

Rock On to the incredible leaders that I trained as a part of the Day School Leadership Training Institute. And Rock On to Fran Urman who leads that program. Again, huge thank you to my partner in good things, Shira Epstein!
(Featured, Matt Bellas)

Rock On to the INCREDIBLE educators who participated in Storahtelling's StorahLab training program. And Rock On to the amazing new MAVENS who were trained as well! Shout out to all of my friends at Storahtelling - for all their amazing hard work to put that together.
(SEE THEM TO YOUR LEFT!)

Rock On to the incredible and talented participants and staff of Brandeis University's Genesis/BIMA programs - what a privilege to play, sing, train and celebrate Shabbat with you! Huge shout out to Bradley Solmsen, Rachel Happel, Dvora Goodman and Aliza Goodman!

Rock On to my friend Josh Nelson - incredible musician, performer and educator, who shared his stage and let me open up for him at GENESIS/BIMA! (Josh and I FEATURED ON YOUR LEFT)

Rock On to the folks at Florence Melton Communiteen! High School program. What a thoughtful, intelligent, edgy, progressive, highly motivated national Jewish high school educational program! A privilege to work with geniuses like Evan Segal, Gordon Zacks, Jane Shapiro, Ilene Cohen and Shani Lasin!!! One of my FAVORITE consulting projects!

Rock On to the UJC Cabinet leaders - what an amazing time I had with you all performing at your annual Cabinet retreat in Scottsdale, AZ! Beautiful location, beautiful program, beautiful people doing amazing work! What an amazing time performing with Amichai Lau-Lavie, Brian Gelfand and Glenn Grossman for Storahtelling there!

AND FINALLY, AUGUST:
Rock On to the CAJE Craziness! You amazing educators - you incredibly inspiring professionals. What a treat it was performing with Storahtelling at the opening, training folks in our methods and then ROCKING out at my launch of Jewish Chicks Rock. A HUGE thank you to Abbi and the team at the CAJE office. And a HUGE thank you to Mike Edelstein of MJ Productions. Major props to my musical friends who also performed there - Chana Ro thman, fellow chick musician!, Josh Nelson and his amazing band, Craig Taubman, Joe Black and Sheldon Low. You all inspire me so much! Thank you so much to my street team at the conference, Hope Chernak, Roland Roth, Sandra Goldmeer, Mara Berde and Laura Hegfield - and our youngest Jewish Chick Rockers, Rosie (pictured) and Belin from New Hampshire!

Rock On - in the biggest way possible to my amazing teen vocalists who I worked with for a week at JCC Maccabi ArtsFest in Minneapolis. Thank you to Steve Barberio, Josh Nelson and Arlene Sorkin for inviting me in, Todd Herzog - fellow musician and friend - for taking me in, and the other amazing artists in residence that made this program so INCREDIBLE!!! I love you all!

And lastly, Rock On to the amazing facilitators who joined me as part of Lou Bergholz (CEO of Edgework Consulting)'s team of trainers who led MIT Sloan Business School's training days! What an amazing group of people, what an amazing program. I look forward to this gig every year! (well, for the last two years, at least! Hopefully more!) You all are incredible!

WHEW, is that enough for one summer? Can you get more inspired looking at the incredible work that's being done in this world?? I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such great people!

Thank you all!

Now...onto the FALL!
Next Blog will be about what there is to LOOK FORWARD to!

Have a Great Great Great Labor Day!

Peace - Shabbat shalom!

Naomi

Post ArtsFest - thinking about the fall

2008-08-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of being thoroughly inspired by 12 amazing teenage women at JCC Maccabi Artsfest this last week in Minneapolis - their depth, their passion and their beautiful songwriting abilities inspired me. I can't get one of the songs they wrote out of my head. They profoundly stated: "Strip away those layers, and take a look inside - in the eye of the beholder - is where true beauty lies." Can you imagine - young women so sure of this - that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and that if you really look at yourself and see yourself as beautiful, you're bound to see the world as beautiful, too. They give me great hope...
They rock.

Who will rock at CAJE?

2008-08-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Friends,
I'm just so excited to be heading off to CAJE conference in about two days. The band is coming with me and will tear down the walls at the University of VT's Brennan's Cafe at 8:45pm on Monday the 11th of August.

The big question - will there be other Jewish chicks that rock there?

Send 'em my way!

Naomi

jewishchicksrock.blogspot.com/

2008-05-23T11:43:00.001-07:00

Jewish chicksrock.blogspot.com

2008-05-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

2008-05-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

Tell me...
Why do YOU rock?