Ashira (band)
Ashira (Hebrew: אשירה, fem. "I will sing") is an Israeli Jewish rock band based in Ramat Gan. They were formed at Bar-Ilan University in 2006 by violinist Pnina Weintraub and flutist Yael Taitz. They are notable for performing exclusively for women in accordance with the Jewish law of kol isha.
Ashira | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ramat Gan, Israel |
| Genres | Jewish rock, Israeli rock, pop rock |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Website | ashiraband |
| Members | Sapir Gezber Lia Bagrish Pnina Weintraub Yael Taitz Inbar Perser Maayan Schweitzer |
| Past members | Hagit Tawil |
Overview
Ashira was formed in 2006 by Bar-Ilan music students Pnina Weintraub and Yael Taitz. Weintraub was frustrated at having to dance behind a mechitza at school parties and Jewish holidays, so she decided to form an all-female band that would play exclusively for women, thus removing the need for separation.[1] She and Taitz contacted Erez Barkai, a music teacher at the Yeshurun school in Petah Tikva, who introduced them to guitarist Lia Bagrish and drummer Maayan Schweitzer. They subsequently added bassist Inbar Perser and singer Hagit Tawil (later replaced with Sapir Gezber).[2]
The band made its debut at the Israeli pub C'naan during Sukkot of 2008,[2] and have performed at various seminaries, girl's schools, pubs, and small halls throughout Israel, as well as Bar-Ilan.[1][3] In keeping with Jewish laws of modesty, they perform only for women and do not allow their concerts to be videotaped.[4]
Musical style
Ashira plays a mix of rock, blues, and Irish folk music.[4] Their songs, written in Hebrew, combine liturgical passages with original lyrics.[3]
Band members
- Current
- Sapir Gezber – lead vocals
- Lia Bagrish – guitar, vocals
- Pnina Weintraub – violin, vocals
- Yael Taitz – flute
- Inbar Perser – bass guitar
- Maayan Schweitzer – drums
- Former
- Hagit Tawil – lead vocals
References
- Karin Kloosterman (June 28, 2009). "Religious girls like to play, too". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
- Oranit Etzer (Oct 18, 2010). "להקת "אשירה" במופע ייחודי לנשים בלבד". Arutz Sheva (in Hebrew). Retrieved 18 December 2015.
- Shtrauchler, Nissan (May 25, 2009). "Introducing 1st religious women's rock band". Ynetnews. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
- Tara Todras-Whitehill (July 2, 2009). "Ashira: Orthodox Jewish All-Girl Rock Band Refuses To Play For Men". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 17 December 2015.