Synagogue Service to Combine Worship, Music & Jewish Women's Theatre Performance

Lev Eisha, a Santa Monica-based community of Jewish women engaged in prayer, study and spiritual growth and Jewish Women's Theatre (JWT) will join together at Beth Shir Shalom Synagogue on Saturday, September 2 at 9:30 a.m. for a free community service designed to inspire worshipers as they prepare for the High Holidays.

The theme of the service and the performance is "The Art of Forgiveness." The service will be led by Rabbi Toba August and cantorial soloist Cincy Paley. There is musical accompaniment by Joy Krauthammer, Melanie Fine, Robin Winston, Sharon Alexander and Ruth Belonsky.

JWT's artistic director, Ronda Spinak describes the performance that will accompany the service, "In this short play, Jewish women, portrayed by professional actors, reveal their secrets of forgiving. But they also raise the question of whether they every really forget.

"Find out the answer in this moving and thought-provoking show that deals with sibling rivalry, betrayal, ex-husbands, a German's plea for forgiveness and one woman's ability to forgive herself. All this, and more will bring viewers to tears. But never fear, there are moments of laughter as well," Spinak said.

Lev Eisha holds ten Shabbat services each year. They always speak to women, but men are welcome to attend as well. Rabbi August notes, "Our services are filled with ruach, music, dancing and inspiration. And, of course, there is a lovely Kiddush luncheon following the service."

One congregant explains, "The feeling is just different here from other services. I think the women here feel like they can express themselves in ways that they don't when men are around."

Beth Shir Shalom is located at 1827 California Ave. in Santa Monica. Services begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush lunch from 12:15 to 1;30 p.m. There is no charge and all are welcome. For more information, visit Leveisha.org or go to Jewishwomenstheatre.org.