Author: etheleakatzenell

Festivals and Marathons

Returning for the third time, on Feb. 14-16, 2023, after skipping a year of COVID pandemic, is the 3rd Festival BeerShira, this time held at the Writers’ House, located at ha-Avot 53 in the Old City. Attendance is free  but requires advanced registration. This festival includes: meetings with poets, writing workshops, sessions honoring certain poets & their works, and live music. The 1st was held in Dec. 2019 & the 2nd in Sept. 2021. 

In October 2022, the Be’er-Sheva MiKan Fringe Theater added a new tradition to their list of international festivals, by holding an International Children’s Theater Festival; each year, the plays presented would deal with a different theme–the first of which: “Stop the shunning!” 

Each Fall, since 2021, Sergio Alaluf (b.1978-), owner of JEMS restaurant in Be’er-Sheva, a runner and trainer for marathons and ultras-marathons, has instigated “Running B7” under his slogan: “Run 2 live – Live 2 run,” at the Gav-Yam High-Tech Park.   

In 2021, Cinema City held a two-day Wine & Cheese Festival in the middle of August with produce from all across the country.

A new Be’er-Sheva Old City music and arts festival, called Petrichor (lit., the smell of the first rain on parched earth) was initiated in December 2019–featuring live music, experimental art and music, & psychedelic, digital and virtual media. Futuristic arts featured against the backdrop of the historic setting.

Since 2010, the Be’er-Sheva MiKan Fringe Theater has held an Annual International Fringe Festival (IFF) each Summer and an Annual Dance Week and Competition each Fall, judged by professional choreographers, dancers & theater VIPs, as well as special events and shows for children during holidays and Summer vacations. Location: Old City, Anilevich St. Call: 08-6466657; theFringe.co.il; and http://www.iffb7.com.

At the end of February/beginning of March, during the week of the Purim holiday, the Old City and all of Be’er-Sheva fills with children and adults in costumes, street parties, parades with floats, and comic events in the parks. Three-cornered cookies, called ozne Haman (lit. Haman’s ears; see the biblical Book of Esther), traditionally filled with poppy seeds, but also filled with: prune jam, pressed dates, chocolate, nuts, marzipan, etc. are eaten. 

The 1st annual Israel national Be’er-Sheva Quick-Chess Tournament, in memory of the founder of the Be’er-Sheva Chess Club, Eliyahu Levant, was held mid-March, with 89 participants from across the country, including 14 grand masters, 8 international masters & 1 woman grand master, Ilana David, Director of the Be’er-Sheva Club. 

Every year since 2012, in the Spring and after sunset, Be’er-Sheva holds a city-wide night “Light/Glow Run” with over 5,000 active participants of all ages and large cheering crowds lining the streets, managed by “Kivunim.“ Before the race, all the registered runners are given a warmup session and painted and equiped with glowing colors. There are three well-lit courses provided: for 2.5, 5 and 10 kilometer runs. After the race, there is an after-party with well-known local D.J.s and celebs.

The annual Smilansky Street Festival originated in July 2005 and by July 2010 had developed into an Annual International Multidisciplinary Fringe Festival held in the Old City of Be’er-Sheva, open to the public and with attractions for all ages and tastes–theater, dance, music, street arts, comedy, drama, improvisation, etc. This high-quality festival was recognized by the European Festivals Association (EFA) in 2017 as being the best festival held in Israel. This street festival was reinstated in August 2021, after a 2-year COVID-19 hiatus.

A new festival was born in July 2019, the “Eat & Drink Festival,” held inside the Design Plus Complex, located at 12 Eliyahu Nawi St. (an extension of the Hebron Road near the large industrial area). Three gourmet chefs (incl. Avi Biton), a cocktail bar, a beer pub, are all accompanied by street performers, DJs and live bands. 

Each August since 2015, a 40+08 Artistic/Cultural Marathon is held in the Old City of Be’er-Sheva. During this designated 48-hour period, visual artists of all kinds produce their novel creations, that are then presented to the public as a part of the “Zohar Deromi” (lit., southern glow) Festival at various Old City venues. The name of this marathon refers not only to the time-frame, but also suggests route 40 (that reaches Be’er-Sheva) and telephone area code 08 (for dialing the southern region). Free night-time tours of the Old City are also provided. In August 2019, this multidisciplinary, multimedia, open-to-the-public, interactive festival was renamed the Fountain Festival, lasting for 3 whole days and nights, including: graffiti painting on street-side walls, art workshops, athletic workshops, roving minstrels, various musical shows, singles get-togethers, dance classes, cooking classes, special lectures, Old City tours, etc. 

Every year in September, Be’er-Sheva holds a Wine Festival at the restored Ottoman-Turkish Train Station.

Since 2013, at the start of every academic year in the Fall, the students at BGU hold a huge and loud welcome-to-Be’er-Sheva street party in the vicinity of the University. All are welcome to attend the festivities. 

An annual Beer Fest is generally held in October (as it is in Europe) in the Mall 7 area, just south of (below) the Old City. 

Come November every year, an “Atena” Womens’ Fitness & Sports Day is held outdoors in Be’er-Sheva’s Bell Park for women from the entire southern region. This free event includes aerobic sports, zumba, yoga, a 2-kilometer march and other healthy activities, as well as a guest artist performance.

Since 2008, an annual conference has been hosted every November on the ‘green campus‘ – the Marcus Family Campus of BGU – to grant “Marks of Distinction for Negev Environmental Quality” to worthy individuals and bodies, sponsored by the NPO Sustainable Development for the Negev.

For over a decade, there have been several English-language folk-music festivals each year, originally held at Ashan ha-Zeman and, in recent years, at the Hen Commercial Center in the Bet Neighborhood (26 Bialik St.) — thus called “Bialik Folk Time” (organized by Negev folk-singer Lauren Ornstein (b.1950-). Each event features well-known folk-singers from across Israel (e.g., Sandy Cash, Eli “Dr. Blues” Marcus) and guests from abroad.

Memorials

Every year at the very end of August, a municipal memorial service is held in City Hall square, commemorating the murder of the 16 victims of Hamas terrorism in Be’er-Sheva, who died in suicidal bus bombings on August 31st, 2004. The monument (established in 2004) was designed by architect Ya’akov Cohen.

Since “Our future is inspired by our past” – join the Society for the Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites – http://www.shimur.org.il. You are welcome to come to the Be’er-Sheva Office of the Society, now located in the Old City at Mordey ha-Geta’ot 74 and/or call Michal Montal – 054-4606496.

Apologies–this is a very large post, because Be’er-Sheva is rife with music and musical talent and, as such, it will never be entirely complete and up-to-date. I want to include examples of everything and everyone associated with music in Be’er-Sheva to date.

As of 2022, independent artists in all the Arts (visual and performing) are invited to join a new creative, multidisciplinary project called “Off the Record” based in the Youth Center in the Old City, run by Bouras-House of Independent Artists – contact: 054-982-7936, art.bouras@gmail.com.

Classical

Music education: 

The Be’er-Sheva “Conservatorion” – the municipal conservatory of music was founded in 1961 (in memory of philanthropist Samuel Rubin, 1901-1978), by pianist Ruth Hillman (1917-2010) and conductor Nissim Alsheikh (b.1926-). Each year, over 600 students from the entire Negev Region (including Bedouins) attend classes to learn music theory, music appreciation, and how to play all the various instruments.The “Conservatorion” houses the Hillman Concert Hall and the Municipal Music Library. The current director (2017-) is Jacob (“Yaki”) Reuven. Outstanding students are invited to perform in the various ensembles and orchestras. Many of Israel’s well-known musicians began their musical careers here, such as: mandolinist Avi Avital (b.1978-); mandolinist & musical director Tom Cohen; mandolinist & conductor Shmuel Elbaz; Jewish music producer Gabriel Hasson; mandolinist & “Conservatorion” Director Jacob (“Yaki”) Reuven; accordionist & conductor Eti Tevel (b.1985-); cellist Ariel Tushinsky (b.1969-); conductor Omer Meir Wellber (b.1981-). It is located at 10 ha-Meshahrerim St. (adjacent to the Municipal Public Library) – 08-6276019. 

Orchestras and instrumental ensembles:

The Israel “Sinfonietta” Orchestra (Be’er-Sheva) was first founded in 1973 as a small ‘cameri’ orchestra (22 new-immigrant musicians) by international prize-winning conductor Avi Ostrowsky (b.1939-). After expanding, in 1978 it became a full, classical symphony orchestra, performing under the baton of another internationally acclaimed conductor Mendi Rodan (1929-2009), who served until 1991. Rodan was then followed by violist & conductor Uri Meir (b.1946-) from 1991-1999. Next were: conductor Menachem Nevenhoiz (b.1960-) from 2001-2002; pianist & conductor Yaron Traub (b.1964-) from 2002-2005; classical guitarist & conductor Doron Salomon from 2005-2013; and, most recently, pianist & conductor Justus Frantz (b.1944-) from 2013. The “Sinfonietta” was awarded the 1995 Prize by the Israel National Council for Culture and Art and the 1998 “Wandering Cylinder” Prize by the Israeli “Art for the People”Organization for its service to the entire Negev Region. Office: 08-6266422.     

Nissim Alsheich (b.1926-) was a co-founder of the Be’er-Sheva Municipal Music “Conservatorion” and founder of the Be’er-Sheva Youth Orchestra, both in 1961. In 1973, he founded the Be’er-Sheva Chamber Orchestra and, in 1996, he founded and conducted the Be’er-Sheva Wind Orchestra (consisting of woodwinds & brass instruments) until his retirement in 2010, when lawyer, conductor Micha David took over. Alsheich published a Hebrew autobiography entitled My Life’s Symphony: The Realization of a Dream (2016?).

The Be’er-Sheva String Orchestra was re-established in 2014 by “Conservatorion” Director Jacob (“Yaki”) Reuven. The current, internationally- acclaimed conductor (2017-) is Maestro Barak Tal,  was also the recipient of the 2006 Oedoen Partos Award for outstanding performance of an Israeli composition, granted by the Israeli Ministy of Culture.

Be’ershevan accordionist & conductor Eti Tevel (b.1985-, in Be’er-Sheva) received her early classical music training in the city, then studied at the Rubin Academy of Music & Dance in Jerusalem, played with the Israel Police Orchestra, and was a soloist with the Jerusalem Symphony & Philharmonic Orchestras (studying under conductor Mendi Rodan), also playing with the Junior Andalusian Orchestra from 2004. In 2012, she became the conductor of the reconstituted Andalusian Orchestra of Ashkelon. In 2016, she also became the first Israeli conductor ever invited to conduct the German Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Be’er-Sheva-born and trained mandolinist & conductor Shmuel Elbaz and his Israeli Kerman Mandolin Quartet took the 1st prize at the 2003 International  Music Competition for Plectrum Instruments held in La Rioja, Spain. Then, his Israeli Andalusian Orchestra (founded 1994 in Ashdod, Israel) was awarded the 2006 Israel Prize for Music.  In 2021, the Be’er-Sheva Sinfonietta aired an online series of mandolin concerts honoring the city’s local, legendary initiator of mandolin music in Israel, Simcha Natanzon, entitled: “Made in Be’er-Sheva.”

 The Kerman Mandolin Quartet was created in 2000 by 4 talented Be’ershevan musicians trained originally at the “Conservatorion”: Jacob (“Yaki”) Reuven, Shmuel Elbaz, Avi Avital & Lev Haimovits (with standby mandolinist Tom Cohen). In 2017, the Quartet is now comprised of: Jacob (“Yaki”) Reuven, Mari Carmen Simon (Spain), Fabio Galluci (Italy), & Vincent Beer-Demander (France). This Quartet renders musical works originally written for string quartets on 4 mandolins.

A Be’er-Sheva trio ensemble consisting of local soprano Isabel Marie Hass and local musicians–French hornist Roman Kott and pianist Raimonda Sheinfeld, give classical performances.

Choirs and vocal ensembles:

“Cantacapella” Choir (established 2011), sings classical & world music under the musical direction of bass/baritone & conductor Yoel Sivan – 054-4949854. It has performed at a number of venues in southern Israel and, on a few occasions, with the Israel Sinfonietta Be’er-Sheva and/or with soloists from the Israel Opera Company. “Cantacapella” is currently seeking more tenors and basses. Sivan – 054-4949854.

Yoel Sivanalso founded and sings in a Renaissance vocal ensemble called“Gloriana” (founded 2010) with soprano Lucy Bloch, tenor Hillel Sherman, and baritones Yoram Bar-Akivaand/or Guy Pelc. Sivan is also a performing member of the Israeli Vocal Ensemble. He conducts 4 classical choirs: “Cantacapella” in Be’er-Sheva (f. 2011-); “Arava Choir” (f. 1985-); “Adam Choir” in Jerusalem (f. 2002); and the “Modi’in Artistic Choir” (f. 2008). Sivan– 054-4949854.

“Andinat” (Amharic word meaning: ‘together’) is an Ethiopian children’s choir founded in 2018 at the “Haruv” Absorption Center in the Gimel neighborhood    that sings Hebrew, Amharic and English songs, directed by its founder, singer Josh Perets. Netflix airs a filmclip of them performing. They also appear in an Israeli movie depicting Ethiopian Jews immigrating to Israel in the 1980s.

“Coloratura” classical ensemble, founded in 2019 by Diana Eidelszstein (052-5013327) meets every week on Wed. evenings at Matnas Yud Aleph and is currently seeking more singers.

“LOGON” – Light Opera of the Negev (founded 1981) puts on an English-language operetta or musical production annually, which it performs across the country. Rehearsals are held in Be’er-Sheva. Participation is voluntary, but those who volunteer must perform, excepting cases of illness or injury. To join the cast or stage-crew – 08-6414081 or http://www.lightopera.2ya.com. There’s even a book about LOGON entitled: The stage is our world. If anyone can tell me who wrote this book and the year of its publication, I’d be grateful. Thanks, Ethelea. By the way, I sang in the choir, danced a can-can and a waltz & had a great time with LOGON in 1993, when we put on an English adaptation of the wonderful operetta “The Merry Widow” by Franz Lehar.

In 2021, at the “Dekalim” School for Special Education, veteran music teacher, Zhana Mikhailov, created a successful choir, with the support of the local chapter of “Lions – Israel: Ahvah ba-Negev.” The members of the choir range in age from 13-21. Music is a perfect and joyful way to overcome disabilities.

***I heard from someone that years ago Prof. Shalom Altman produced an album entitled: “One God” for the Philadelphia Jewish Community Choir, which includes a song that begins with the words: “Here is Beersheba, where Abraham the Patriarch, leader of …” If, by chance, anyone has this album or knows this song, please contact me in Be’er-Sheva at 972-77-4180008. Thanks, Ethelea

***P.S. I made ‘aliyah’ to Be’er-Sheva from Philadelphia in 1972,after dancing & singing in the late Rabbi Efry Spector‘s Israeli performing troup (in support of Israel). I remember handing flowers to the late Abba Eban decades ago. I also took great pleasure when appearing with the 120-voice University of Pennsylvania Choir and the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra at the elegant Academy of Music under the baton of the fiery-tempered Maestro Zubin Mehta, who has only recently retired as conductor of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Not to mention how exciting it was to sing Carl Orff‘s “Carmina Burana” in a huge, old cathedral in Philadelphia–and making the chandeliers shake…

Classical/operatic/cantorial soloists: 

Retired academic librarian Pinhas Ziv resided in Be’er-Sheva and worked at BGU’s Aranne Library from 1970. Around 2010, he began to sing Jewish cantorial music, performing and also recording an album of the same material.

Classical composers:

Contrabassist & composer Max Stern (b.1947-) became a resident of Be’er-Sheva in 1976. Much of the inspiration for his classical and choral works he derived from biblical sources and from the desert environment. In 1990, his chamber-music work “Balaam and the ass” won the Israeli Composers League’s Lieberson Prize Competition. In Tokyo, Japan in 1991, his work for orchestra & narrator, entitled “Perek Shirah” (lit., a chapter of song), was awarded 1st place by the Japanese Contemporary Music Association. From 1993, Stern established the BGU Music Dept., a student choir & a student orchestra.  In 2017, Stern released a classical music disc entitled: “Me’ever le-nehar ha-Sambatyon” (lit., across the [legendary] Sambatyon River, i.e., in exile), that he dedicated to the city. 

Classical musicians:

Be’er-Sheva-born mandolin player Avi Avital (b.1978-) made Be’er-Sheva proud not only by performing with the “Sinfonietta;” the Israel Philharmonic; and other European ensembles but, in 2007, he appeared as the mandolin soloist with the “Metropolis Ensemble” at the New York Center for the Arts, playing the U.S. premier of Israeli composer Avner Dorman’s “Mandolin Concerto.”

Freelance cellist, pianist, music teacher & vocal coach Hannah Blachman and her husband Asher Blachman, a professional violinist, sometimes perform as a piano & violin duo – 08-6413119 (not on the Jewish Sabbath, from sunset Fri.-sundown Sat.). Hannah also gives cello performances with pianist Gila Perach-Hirsch–they call themselves “Tsemed Kol Avi” (lit., the voice of my father duo). 

In 2023, young Beershevan piano prodigy, Amir Grosfeld (b.2010-), will compete in the Pnina Salzman Israeli Piano Competition, after having won 2nd and 3rd places in national and international competitions, respectively, in 2021. He is a student at the Municipal Conservatorium under the tutelage of Marina Epstein.

Shifra Perets (b.1968-), from Be’er-Sheva, is a groundbreaking woman paytanit [i.e., singer of Andalusian piyyutim (hymns)], while accompanying herself on the oudh. She released 2 albums: “Mizan” [i.e., a stanza in a piyyut] (2003) and “Neshimat ‘Olam” [i.e., a breath of the world] (2012); in 2022, she released the first single from her soon-to-be-released 3rd album.

Accordionist Alexander Suslov (b.1979-) often plays for the public at the central train station and in the Old City since his arrival in Be’er-Sheva in 2014.

Classically trained violinist and music teacher Vladimir (Bob) Yourochkin (b.1966-) frequently gets up on an upside-down pail in the Central Bus Station (“The Terminal”) and plays his violin for the public. He has been in Be’er-Sheva since 2015.               

Modern genres and folksongs

Institutions: 

The Hebrew/Israeli Song Club usually offers a series of 6 evenings of Israeli folk and pop music at the Hall of the Performing Arts each year – for tickets *8557, line #1. 

For decades, accordionist & emcee Yossi Lev (father of “Bat Dor” dancer Lior Lev) has given public Hebrew sing-along evenings, accompanied by guitarist & singer Dov Birkenfeld and drummer Alex Bellaish (father of “Bat Dor” dancer Natan’el Bellaish) – 08-6518139, 053-9428780.

Accordionist Rafi Shaked came to Be’er-Sheva in 1970 to study at BGU and stayed to live here, becoming known as: “the king of evenings of song,” thanks to his frequent public Israeli folk-music sing-alongs – http://www.rafi-shaked.co.il.

Vocal groups, combos and bands:

For over 45 years, “ha-Hedim” (lit., the echoes, established 1968), the first genuine pop & rock combo originating in Be’er-Sheva, started by guitarists & singers Shlomo (“Momi”) & Avi Asaf (father of Israel Beauty Queen, Ravit Asaf), gave shows filled with nostalgic Israeli and foreign classics from prior decades with: Uri Kariv on synthesizer; the late Ruby Serge on keyboards; and David Ya’akobi on drums. In 1972/3, they had an original English hit single entitled: “Fascination” on the radio, written by the late Ruby Serge and some clips on YouTube. In 2003, they revived the band and produced a special program covering “Pink Floyd”s greatest hits; later on, in 2021, the 9 “Echoes” share the stage with the  Israel Chamber Orchestra,  performing “Pink Floyd”s best songs, together  with the “UK Pink Floyd Experience” in the Omer Amphi.

“Signon Acher” (lit., a different style) is a local vocal jazz ensemble created by Musical Director Yoni Shacham (b.1943-) that does humourous, jazzy & scat singing a-cappella in English and Hebrew, specially arranged by Shacham. In 2014, they put out a double album entitled “SomeSingElse” –http://www.facebook.com/besignonacher.

“Blueband” was a blues & alternative rock combo that existed from ca.1998-2002, founded by songwriter, guitarist & singer David Peretz; with lyricist & singer Elad Chopin; guitarist & singer Yohanan Kressel; keyboardist & guitarist Ya’ir Schleider; and songwriter, guitarist & singer Hagai Nahtomi. They put out one album in 1999.

“Lenses” (existed 2001-2009) was founded by songwriter & soloist Jo’an Safadi (b.1973-) with songwriter, guitarist & singer David Peretz and songwriter, guitarist & singer Yohanan Kressel, that lasted until 2009 and released 3 albums in Hebrew and Arabic.

“Side” – Be’er-Sheva‘s British-style electro-rock combo (established 2003) performed original English songs and toured Israel & Europe. Its original 6 Be’ershevan members were: bassist Shai Zrihan; drummer Itamar Abuhatsira (owner of “Feedback Studios”); guitarist Or Dahan; synthesizer Shahar Yampolski; guitarist, drummer & soloist Yossi Shitrit; keyboards & effects David (“Dudu”) Hemed (who is also a soloist in the “Machrumah” Band), later joined by soundman Nir Raveh. Some clips on YouTube.

“Marionetta Sol” is an alternative rock combo (formed 2003) by Be’ershevans Amir Grohman (b.1976-) and Ido Karov produced its 1st, mostly instrumental, rock & house album in 2004; in 2005, their 2nd album was released for free on Internet. In 2005, their vocal single “Hey” was aired on Israeli radio. They did a short performance tour in 2006. In 2008 they released 2 more singles. Album no.3 came out in 2009; then, in 2013, their 4th album was released. Current members: Amir Grohman – vocals, guitars, keyboards; Ido Karov – guitar, keyboards, drums, voices; Tal Fogel – bass guitar, sounds; and Nadav Gorali – drums. Former members: Elad Chopin – bass guitar; Yaniv Dagan – bass guitar; and Gil Namet – drums.

“Pinky” (formed ca.2004) – a Be’er-Sheva-born punk-rock combo consisting of bass guitarist & soloist Tal Leibel, guitarist & mixer Boaz Even-Ezra & drummer Avishai Hazan. Their first album was “Pink world” (2007) and they put out at least 2 more albums by 2015. Tal Leibel put out his first solo album in Dec. 2017.

“Jah-Nos” Band (formed ca.2006) – comprised of 4 brothers from the Be’ershevan Zennou family: Avi, Ben, Lavi & Shlomi, with three other backup musicians, had 2 ethno-rock hit singles on the radio and put out an album of original songs, some on YouTube.

The combo “ha-Shkhenah mimul” (lit., the neighbor lady across the way; formed 2006) started in Be’er-Sheva and plays original pop music. This combo includes: composer, keyboards & singer Ronen Yarkon; acoustic guitarist, singer & mixer Oren Steinitz; bass guitarist & singer Idan Weisman or Jonathan Balter; guitarist Yitshak Me’ir; drummer & singer Yuval Ben-Hai; and singers Roni Bratslavski and Hilla Millstein.   

“Duo Azulay/Namet” was founded (ca. 2008) by two talented Be’er-Sheva-born singer/songwriters, Nadav Azulay (b.1987-) and Gil Namet (b.1987-, previously in “Marionetta Sol”), who contrast and complete each other. Together, they’ve put out 3 albums: “Ba-tsad shel ha-ra’im” (lit., On the side of the bad guys, 2009); “Ze’ev! Ze’ev!” (lit., Wolf! Wolf!, 2013); and “Telamed oti lirkod” (lit., Teach me how to dance, 2018). They are some of the key representatives of the so-called “Be’ershevan music” scene. 

“Ensemble Peham” (lit., the coal ensemble; active 2016) is a local Canaanite-blues band that combines the talents of Karin Shapira (former soloist with the punkband “Tsenzurah” (lit., censorship)) and of Aviv (“Yaniv”) Noiman. Separately, Shapira released her personal album entitled “Tsemer” (lit., wool) and Noiman released his own entitled “David.”

“Two Girlz Cookin’ Duo” (established 2017) consists of classically-trained keyboardist, vocalist, composer, yukalele player & percussionist Lotem Asner (b.1983-, in Be’er-Sheva) with vocal coach, vocalist, composer & looper player Maya Pennington. This very creative duo creates brilliant pop/jazz/classical mashups and gives performances across Israel. Asner released an original solo album “Dived and disappeared” in 2015.

“Havruta Ensemble” (lit., band of buddies, formed ca.2018) – performs classic Hebrew/Israeli songs and provides the words on screen, so the audience can sing along. The band consists of: singer Itamar Abuhatsira on percussion; singer Shlomi Mathias on keyboards; Sha’ul Blachman on bass guitar; and Yossi Shitrit & Daniel Adda on guitars. 054-2030717 – havruta27@gmail.com  –  https://www.havrutamusic.co.il/

Singers, songwriters and DJs:

Joe (“Yosi”) Moustaki (b.1939-) composed many Hebrew folksongs and sings a Hebrew & Ladino repertoire. He has lived in Be’er-Sheva since 1949 and was among the first 500 Jewish families to reside in the new Israeli desert town. In 1969, he wrote music for Talmah Alyagon-Roz‘s poem “Be’er-Sheva Iri” (lit., my city Be’er-Sheva). Moustaki is especially well-known for his original song “Yam u-shkiyah” (lit., the sea & the sunset) and the music he composed for the poem by Israeli poetess Rachel (1890-1931) entitled “Zemer nugeh” (lit., melancholy song) – soundcloud.com/yosi-moustaki.

Yehudit Ravitz (b.1956- in Be’er-Sheva) is a famous, veteran Israeli pop, rock & jazz singer/songwriter and music producer. She has appeared on many stages & in many shows, on TV, in Israeli films & in a number of YouTube clips, as well as having had many hit songs on the radio during her successful ca.45-year long career. In 1977, 1982 & 1987, she won the “Best song of the year.” Ravitz released 12 Hebrew solo albums (1979-2012) and 5 collections (1982-2007); not to mention her numerous, notable collaborations with other artists over the decades. After receiving an award from AKUM (the Israeli Union of Composers, Musicians and Music Publishers), in Nov. 2022, the Cameri Theater in Tel Aviv presented 3 special programs applauding Ravitz’ long and successful musical career.

Yair Nitzani (b.1958-) grew up in Be’er-Sheva and became a prolific singer/songwriter, screenwriter/actor/comedian, and radio broadcaster, becoming very famous as a member of the popular rock band “T-Slam” (1979-1983, together with Dani Bassan & Izhar Ashdot), that had many hit songs.

Avi Eilot Aloush (b.1959- in Be’er-Sheva) is a soul and R&B singer/songwriter who’s been singing in the Old City (ha-Simtah; Ashan ha-Zeman; etc.) since he was a boy (from 1973). Most recently, he’s been doing successful shows with singer Shivhiyah Bat-Israel, one of the black Hebrews from Dimona. 

Born and educated in Be’er-Sheva, singer/songwriter/guitarist/ & soundman Oded Galai (b.1960?-) released his first Israeli Hebrew folk-rock in 1981, entitled: “Hasifah” [“Exposure”] and the 1st single of his upcoming second album, entitled: “To the end of the Earth,”in 2022.

Mike Karoutchi (b.1963- in Casablanca, Morocco), a Be’er-Sheva resident, is a violinist, a pop ‘cover’ singer, and an events performer of traditional Moroccan folk-music. He was honored in 2014 by the King of Morocco for being an ambassador of Moroccan culture. 

Zahava Ben (shortened from Benishti; b.1968- in Be’er-Sheva, twin sister of Etti Levi) is a highly-successful Middle-Eastern-style singer, who has released over 16 studio albums and more than 16  collections. She is known and admired even in Morocco & Turkey and has performed at a number of European venues. 

Etti (nee Benishti) Levi (b.1968- in Be’er-Sheva), twin sister of Zahava Ben) is both a vegetarian and a prolific Middle-Eastern, Moroccan & Arab-style singer. In the years from 1993-2009, she produced 21 music albums, including some duets with Iraqi singer Jacob Nashawi.

David Peretz (b.1970-) is a guitarist, singer & songwriter of alternative rock, blues & Hebrew folksongs. He even started his own record company in Be’er-Sheva, under the “Cactus” label. He put out his first, original solo album “Haiku blues“ in 2007 and two more albums in 2009 and 2016. He founded the “Blueband” that existed from ca.1998-2002 that put out one album in 1999. In 2001, Peretz became a member of the first Jewish-Arab rock band in Be’er-Sheva – “Lenses” – together with Jo’an Safadi (b.1973-), that lasted until 2009 and released 3 albums. In June 2014, together with Amir Grohman & Ido Karov, he organized a special event combining local poets and songwriters, to present a collection of works relating to the theme: “Ru’ah dromit” (lit., a southern wind or spirit) –  a (primarily) Be’ershevan poetic and musical fantasy; the Hebrew contents of this event may be seen (but not heard) online in the blog “Kikar ha-Ir” of June 11, 2014, in the section by Guy Tene “Shney yesodot.”

Etan Fisher (b.1971-) arrived in Be’er-Sheva from Scotland at age 3 and began playing the guitar at age 14. He is not only a Dr. of Mechanical Engineering at SCE by day, but some nights this singer/songwriter performs in local pubs and clubs. He released his first album in of “sensitive rock” in 2012 and is releasing his 2nd album in 2023. In his youth, he performed with a band named “Magnetic Fog.”  

Yohanan Kressel (b.1972-) has been a resident of Be’er-Sheva since his student days, and is a songwriter, guitarist & singer; previously a member of “Blueband” from 1998-2002 and of “Lenses” from 2001-2009. Besides working as a physiotherapist, he released 3 albums: the 1st, a solo light-rock album (2008); the 2nd, a dark-rock collaboration with members of “Marionette Sol” (2013); the 3rd, a ‘kick-ass’ rock album with soloist Yossi Shitrit from “Side” (2016).

Dikla Dori (b.1973-) is a live-performing Be’ershevan singer/songwriter, described as a Middle-Eastern (Hebrew & Arabic) rock diva, who produced 5 albums between 2000-2016 and released many videoclips online. In 2002, Dikla performed in the Summer Festival at the Lincoln Center in New York. In 2004, she was named the “Best Female Singer of the Year” in Israel. Later, she appeared in the Israeli movie: “The ballad of the weeping spring” (2012). In 2015, she was awarded ACUM‘s “Uzi Hitman Achievement Award” and she also performed in Be’er-Sheva at the LGBT celebrations. 

Evyatar Banai (b.1973- in Be’er-Sheva) is a guitarist, keyboardist, singer & songwriter. (His sister is comedian Orna Banai). Between the years of 1997-2017, he released 6 albums reflecting different musical styles: the 1st chamber pop (1997); the 2nd electronic (1999); the 3rd melodic rock (2005). Then he returned to his Jewish-religious roots, as reflected in the next 3 albums of 2009, 2013 & 2017. Many of his singles were radio hits.

Erez Biton (b.1973- in Be’er-Sheva) is an eclectic singer/songwriter & DJ, who released his 1st original rock album in 2009. He sings western-style pop, rock & soul music, as well as Middle-Eastern pop – www.erezbit.co.il. 

Rinat Mor (b.1974- in Be’er-Sheva) is an events singer and YouTube ‘cover’ singer, who has also acted in a number of Israeli films since 1985.

Alon (“de Loco”) Cohen (b.1974-), a native & resident Be’ershevan, is a leading Israeli & international DJ and producer of hip-hop, R&B, reggae & dancehall music. In 2011, he appeared on the competitive Israeli TV reality show: “Living in La La Land” and won the competition. He’s currently signed to Geffen Records – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alon_De_Loco.  In 2020, he released a new  song “Titans” from his  5th & latest  international album of the same name.

Amir Benayoun (b.1975-) is a very prolific (though occasionally controversial) Be’er-Sheva-born singer/songwriter, who has released 14 full & 2 mini-albums (one in Arabic) between 1999-2017. In 2006, he was given an AKUM Award by the Organization for Music Composers, Lyricists and Publishers in Israel. In 2011, Benayoun made an album in Arabic “Zini” in support of the Syrian people.

Amir Dadon (b.1975-) is a singer-songwriter and actor born in Be’er-Sheva, who will be starring in Ha-Bimah‘s production of “Les Miserables.” His first solo album, entitled “Amir Dadon” came out in 2010.

Nadav Dalumi (b.1976-in Be’er-Sheva, older brother of singer Roni Dalumi) is a pop, rock & indie singer/songwriter who released his 1st album in 2015; 2nd album in 2016; 3rd album in 2019. He writes in Hebrew and English. He also released a single entitled: “Be’er-Sheva” in 2013 and 2 new Hebrew singles: “Hungry winds” at the start of 2020 and, in March 2021, “In the end, everyone wants to go home.” His 2023 Hebrew album is entitled: “All the heroes have gone.” 

Sima Levy-Duchin (b.1976- in Be’er-Sheva, wife of singer/songwriter Arkady Duchin) is a sing/songwriter in her own right, who released her 1st album in 2006 and her 2nd album a decade later, in 2016. Her eclectic albums present a mixture of musical styles: pop, soft rock, folk and even some country-western, mostly in Hebrew, but also some English songs.

Hanan Dahan (b.1977- in Be’er-Sheva) is a sing/songwriter, who has been releasing original singles and remixed covers since 1998. In 2021, he also began appearing in duets with singer Gilli Argov (b.1973-).

Roy “Chicky” Arad (b.1977- in Be’er-Sheva) is a poet, journalist, political activist, and a singer, who has released 2 albums: “Monster” and “Sonol.” 

Roy Edri (b.1978- in Be’er-Sheva) is a bilingual (Hebrew/English) singer/songwriter who does soul music, reggae, rock & even hip hop. He spent 16 years touring abroad and returned to Israel and his Jewish-religious roots. Edri released 2 albums: one in English: “Hear me out” (2008) and the other in Hebrew: “Ad ha-sof” (lit., to the end, 2008).

Itay Pearl (b.1978-) was born in Safed, moved to Tel Aviv in 1999 to further his musical career; then, in 2012, Pearl chose to reside in Be’er-Sheva. He is a successful singer & guitarist, and writes and produces rock, pop, blues & jazz music for other popular Israeli singers. His 1st solo album came out in 2005; his 2nd in 2008; no. 3, with Dana Berger, in 2010; his 4th original solo blues album was released in 2012; no. 5, with Dan Toren, in 2013; and the 6th solo album in 2018 here in Be’er-Sheva. Pearl says: “I fell in love with Be’er-Sheva, because here I don’t have to pose for anyone.”

Adi Cohen (b.1980-) was born in Be’er-Sheva and says: “It will always be home” to her. She’s a Hebrew pop singer who gained national recognition when she appeared on the Israeli TV reality show “A star is born 2” (2004). In 2006, she appeared in U.S. theaters in a live musical production called “Like a movie” consisting of ‘covers’ of theme songs taken from many Israeli films. Cohen released her 1st album in 2008 and her 2nd in 2012. In between, in 2010, she gave an extensive tour, singing in: France, India, the Philippines, the USA & Canada. After studying theater arts, she also became an actress, and first appeared in the Israeli film “Snails in the rain” (2013). She has appeared in over 21 Israeli musicals. Between 2005-2015, she released at least 9 singles on radio & YouTube.

Dana Mazal Malka (b.1982-) spent her childhood in Be’er-Sheva. She has become a prolific songwriter for many of Israel’s popular  singers of the Middle-Eastern genre, such as: Moshik Afiya, Gili Argov and Etti Levi. 

Noa Babayof (b.1982- in Be’er-Sheva) is a folk & alternative pop/rock music singer/songwriter, whose first English-language album “From a window to a wall” was released in both Israel & the USA in 2007. Her 2nd English album “Blue bound” came out in 2016. 

Mor Luria (b.1982-), a resident Be’er-Sheva lyricist, put out an album including many of her original songs in 2017, together with some originals by songwriter & musical producer Moni Amarillio and with the help of singer Moran Sela and other singers of her lyrics.

Avia Barkao (b.1983-), a resident of Be’er-Sheva, is a singer both of American pop songs and Ethiopian songs; since 2011, she has also been writing original songs in Hebrew. https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/אביה-ברקאו-210777753030610/

Re’em Cohen (b.1983- in Be’er-Sheva) is a singer with a radiophonic voice that has his own weekday radio program “Brizah” (lit., a breeze) at 101.5 FM. In 2006, he released his first Hebrew single entitled “Transparent in your eyes.” 

Dana Lapidot (b.1983- in Be’er-Sheva) is a pop music singer & songwriter, who became a soloist with “Hamsah” in 2001. She released her most popular Hebrew single in 2008 – “Meshuga’at” (lit., Crazy woman) and then her own 1st album: “Dana Lapidot.” In 2009, she gave a performance tour across Israel and in 2012, she released her 1st videoclip of a song “Ve-ulay ha-yom” (lit., and maybe today). Then, in 2015, her 2nd album came out. In 2017, she made Hebrew & French pop-music clips in collaboration with Eli Henree.

Noam Vazana (b.1983-, in Be’er-Sheva) grew up and received classical and jazz music training in the city. She is pianist, trombonist, composer and singer. Now, performing in Holland and in Israel, together with her musical partner, Turkish classical guitarist Aktash Fatih Erdogan (b.1980-), she sings and plays in her original show entitled “In the name of the mother,” based on his mother’s life story. 

Asaf (“Cortex”) Weitzman (b.1984-, in Be’er-Sheva) is a rare specimen, a religious Jewish DJ doesn’t work on the Jewish Sabbath–so no dance, trance & house on Friday night or Saturday. He put out his 1st album in 2005 and immediately set out on his first DJ tour abroad in Mexico. He owns his own private record label. From 2015, he produces karaoke and musical events.

Vered Meiri (b.1984-), originally a resident of Be’er-Sheva, released her first 2 singles in 2021: “Bata elay” (lit., You came to me) & “Lo me’uhar miday” (Lit., Never too late). Her 1st album of original songs is to be released in 2022.

Eldar Mamo, a Be’er-Sheva restauranteur, wrote, sang and released his first Hebrew single, called:  “You” in 2010 and another: “Someone’s watching over me” in Sept. 2020.

Sivan Talmor (b.1986-, in Be’er-Sheva) is a singer/songwriter who released 3 original English-language albums between 2016-2019. She gives live performances and has a personal music website at sivantalmor.com. In  2012 , she appeared on Israel TV in the 1st season of Israel’s “The Voice.”

Etti Biton (b.1988-) is a Be’ershevan born and bred singer and a self-proclaimed lesbian, with a number of successful singles to her credit. She also acted in 3 seasons of the Israeli HOT TV reality show “The Unit,” about new I.D.F. recruits drafted into the military performing troupe, aired from Sept. 2014-Sept. 2018. 

Proud Be’ershevans, Gil Nemet (b.1987-) with is characteristic mohawk hairstyle, and his partner in music, Nadav Azulay (b.1989-) with his usual wild white hair, have produced 3 musical albums in 2013, 2018 & 2022. In addition, Nemet, also a potter, has exhibited his pottery in the Old City at the Shamarlah Gallery at 39 Histadrut St.                                                       

Israel Bar-On (b.1989- in Be’er-Sheva) is a modest Hebrew pop/rock singer/songwriter, who was discovered when he won the 6th season of the Israeli “A star is born” (2008) with his original Hebrew song: “Just as it used to be” that soared straight to the top ten on all the pop-music charts. He went on from there to perform in many children’s musical shows. Bar-On‘s 1st album, consisting of 13 of his original songs, came out in 2010. He continues to do live performances and has clips on YouTube.

Eitan Fischer (b.????), an observant rock & indie-pop singer/songwriter (of spiritual songs), is releasing an original Hebrew album in 2023, entitled: “A broken heart is an axe.”

Miki Uzan (b.1990-) from Be’er-Sheva composed and released his first pop single “Mukhshaf” (lit., bewitched) on YouTube in 2014. In 2016, he appeared on the Israeli reality show: “Eyal Golan’s calling you!” In 2017, he sang a duet with guitarist and singer Reuven Carmel.

Tal Fogel (b.1991-), a resident Be’ershevan singer/songwriter/lyricist, released her 1st Hebrew solo album “Piles of dreams” in 2014 and her second solo album “To the large courtyard” in 2016. Musical arrangements done by Amir Grohman.

Well-known Be’er-Sheva-born pop-star stylist, Eyal Hadad (b.1991-), released his first Hebrew single, written with Be’ershevan singer Dikla, in 2020, entitled: “Lo medabrim ‘al ze“ (lit., nobody talks about that).

Oshri Abarjil (b.1992-), currently a resident of Be’er-Sheva, is a successful singer/songwriter, who was the soloist in the I.D.F. performing troupe of the Ordnance Corps. He has also done live shows with singers Yaron Ilan and David Aharon.  His first solo album came out online in 2014. He has released a few original singles, especially ballads befitting weddings and Tu be-Av. In 2022, he’s working on his second album.

Shanim Maimon (b.1992-, in Be’er-Sheva) sings pop, soul, R&B & rap originals and ‘covers’ in Hebrew, English & Spanish and resides and often performs in London and Tel-Aviv. She was a winner of the Israeli music TV reality show called “Yeshnan banot“ (lit., there are girls) on Channel 24 and has a number of video-clips on YouTube. 

Erez Farbiash (b.1993-) is a young, local singer/songwriter, bass player & music producer, who released his first Hebrew single, called “And if I went” in September 2020 and his first album, entitled: “An ass on a white horse” in 2021; a second album with 8 original songs was released in 2022. 

Noam Cohen (“Numi”) (1992-2021) was a Be’ershevan rapper/rocker, who put out his first Hebrew album in 2019, entitled: “Rockstar kapara.” He claimed to be a proud representative of the City of Be’er-Sheva, but died tragically in a motorcycle accident in Oct. 2021.

Amir Abu (b.1994-) is a Be’er-Sheva-born Muslim-Arab resident, who participated in the musical reality show “The Four” on Israel Channel 13 in 2018. He sings covers in Hebrew and Arabic. In 2020, during the Corona pandemic, he released his first single: “Balagan.” 

Ofir Alhayani (b.1996-, in Be’er-Sheva) is a singer/songwriter who used to sing with “Tse’ire Be’er-Sheva.” He debuted on YouTube singing covers. In 2019,  his original Hebrew song: “It’s still not too late” came out &, in Sept. 2020, he released another Hebrew song entitled: “Calling you.” 

Hadar Zecharia (b.1997-), born , raised, residing and working in  Be’er-Sheva, is a singer/songwriter, guitar teacher and graduate of Ulpanat Bene Akiva. In 2021, she released her first single, “Mayim” (lit., water), followed by “She-yavo tov” (lit., let the good come). 

Ma’ayan Kreisler (b.1997-) is a talented Be’ershevan singer.

Almog Becker (b.1998-) is a Beershevan singer/songwriter, who released a Hebrew single called: “Room  for love” in 2021 and his second Hebrew single in 2022, entitled: “Praying.”

No’a Faraj (b.1999-) was born and raised in Be’er-Sheva. She has written and released three singles: the 1st called: “ha-Yaldah ha-khi yafah” (lit., the prettiest girl”); the 2nd entitled: “Bella“ and the most recent, in 2020, entitled: “ha-Metsi’ut posa’at” (lit., reality steps onwards).

Ron Ribak (b.1999-) is an upcoming Be’ersheva-born singer/songwriter with several covers on YouTube. During her mandatory I.D.F. service, she sang in the I.D.F. troupe.

Ro’i Zohar (a.k.a. “Brainheart,” 2000-) from Be’er-Sheva, composed and released some electronic pieces on YouTube in 2020 that were picked up by foreign singer/songwriters such as: Ben Shavrin, Tom Star & Diana Miro, who added lyrics and re-released them as: “Younger than I’ve ever been,” and “In my soul.” 

Ta’ir Martsiano (b.2001-), a young Be’ershevan singer/songwriter, released her first Hebrew single, entitled: “A little bit alone” in Sept. 2020, written by Cohen, Assulin & Tobel.  She has since released 2 more singles, as of April 2022, and is performing alongside Mosheh Perets, Elkanah Martsiano and Sarit Avitan.

Maya Cohen (b.2002-) from Be’er-Sheva reached the final round (Sept. 2019) in the 5th season of the Israeli version of  “The Voice” aired on Israel TV Channel 13.

Raz Teitel (b.2002-) from Be’er-Sheva is a singer/songwriter from a musical family. She has released a Hebrew few songs and her latest one, released in early-2021, is called: “After the earthquake.” She promises more to come.

Beershevan Agam Buhbut (b.2003-) has served as a soloist with the Be’er-Sheva Mandolin Orchestra. She has been sporadically releasing Hebrew singles since 2014 and performing at events across Israel. In 2020, she starred in the musical “Mama Mia.” 

Hodayah Shabah (b.2005- in Be’er-Sheva) is a singer/songwriter who released her first Hebrew song in March 2021, entitled: “Tell me who you are.”

Yolanta is a multi-talented, classically-trained contemporary musician–a singer, lyricist, composer & keyboardist who resides in Be’er-Sheva. She has released 4 music albums between 2013-2017, some with classical or electronic influences, all featuring her unique voice and special sound. Frequently, her music producer is Amir Grohman from “Marionetta Sol.” 

Musicians:

Daniel Adda (b.1987-) plays some 20 instruments, teaches instrumental music at the Be’er-Sheva Municipal Music “Conservatorion”, and has his own personal recording studio at home in Be’er-Sheva. The international music journal BassLove raved about his unique cover clip of Bon Jovi‘s song “It’s my life” that went viral on Internet, in which he played all the instruments himself (like Andre “3000” Benjamin from “OutKast” in “Hey ya!” in 2003) and sang (though not as good as Bon Jovi).

Adiel Azrai (b.1990-), a graduate of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, combines music and art when he fashions his unique drums, such as the panticodrum (Kojix) at his studio in the Artists’ Quarter in Be’er-Sheva‘s “Old City.” These drums produce special musical tones and rhythms. He crafts, sells and teaches how to play them.               

Alex Bellaish (father of “Bat Dor” dancer Natan’el Bellaish) is a well-known drummer in Be’er-Sheva.  

The “Desert Drummers,” founded in 2000 by Dudi Bar-Yosef, give performances and teach drumming in Be’er-Sheva – Sarit 052-4457700.

Beershevan musician Rotem Kornfeld (b.2001-), whose parents work with disabled children at Kefar Refa’el, got his high-school education in the 1st anthroposophical school in the Negev (“Neta Erez Yanuch Korczak”), in Beer-Sheva, studied violin at the local Conservatorium, and completed the local, municipal young social leadership training course “LEAD”—founded (2020-) “Tsliley Musikah” [“The Sounds  of Music”] to teach and make music with young people (10-21) with & without special needs together.

Avinoam Lasry, a Be’er-Sheva resident, builder of guitars and teacher of guitar building, also writes, sings & produces indie blues & reggae music, including his “Be’er-Sheva blues.” 

Native Be’ershevan Alon Shacham (b.1980-) is a trained tenor saxophonist & composer of original, Middle-Eastern reggae, funk, traditional ska & jazz music. He’s a member of the “HoodSka Explosive” ‘big band’ (founded 2004) that produces original dance music, has done a European tour, and released a double album entitled “The misleading” (2007). Shacham is the CEO & co-founder of  Compoze Music Solutions Ltd. (founded 2014).

’Oded Shoham (b.1968-) grew up in Be’er-Sheva and has been active for decades, becoming a well-known accordionist, working with dance troupes, hosting community singing events, and always promoting Israeli culture.

Local DJs:

Mor Avrahami (b.1987-); Lior Badash (b.1981-?; “Red Music”); Eldad Ben-Simon (b.1983-); Idan Hagai (b.1985-); Guy Haliva(b.1993-); Shay Manshuri (b.1990-); Arthur Shlaifer (b.1996-);  Hen(“Chilli”) Timsit (b.1990-);  Asaf Weitzman (b.1984-); Oz Zigron (b.1989-).

***If you are interested in the world of Hasidic music, the resident expert in Be’er-Sheva is Rabbi Avraham (“Avi”) Sandik – 054-4805607 (He works with Bet Moriah). It’s also easy to find local klezmer bands, such as: “Tamid be-Simhah” (lit., always joyful); “Mazal Tov!” (lit., Congratulations!); “Nigunim” (lit., melodies); etc. listed in the local Hebrew weekend paper of the Haredi (i.e., ultra-Orthodox) community Mekomi dati (lit., local religious).

Live music and concerts are held in various venues relative to the size and type of the performance and audience. They may be held in the: River Park Amphi; Hall of the Performing Arts; Hillman Hall at the “Conservatorion”; Be’er-Sheva Theater; Youth Center; on the Art Museum lawn; and in various halls and many other educational and residential institutions. 

Recording studios

Y.R.S. Recording Studio is located at the Youth Center in the Old City – 12 Herzl St., 08-6205003, 050-5872743.

The Judeo-Arab (Sephardic) cultures originated in three different geographical areas–from two continents, Asia and Africa, and from the Middle East, bringing Be’er-Sheva Jews from: Algeria, China, Cyprus, Egypt (+Karaite Jewry), Erithrea, Ethiopia (+Falash Mura), Greece, India, Iran (+Persian Jewry), Iraq (+Babylonian Jewry), Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen and other countries. In general, all of these Judeo-Arab immigrant communities (with the exception of the Karaites) share the same core Jewish traditions and customs, but each one also has its own unique Hebrew dialect, ethnic/national history, Jewish liturgical style & elements, extra-rabbinic customs, and separate community synagogue(s). One lovely tradition shared by the various Judeo-Arab ethnic groups is the celebration of henna parties (engagement parties) for brides/grooms. When I first married in 1973, my kind Yemenite inlaws-to-be threw me a henna party along with that of my husband-to-be and bedecked me accordingly. 

Algerian Jewry

The Algerian-Jewish community celebrates a unique holiday they call “Molke Tsiyon” or the “Feast of Siyum” in adoration of Zion on the Thursday preceding the reading of the Hebrew Bible portion “Yitro” (“Jethro”) in the synagogues (usually in February). Traditionally, at this feast they have soup. Little is know about the true origin and meaning of this celebration and custom.

Babylonian/Iraqi Jewry

The Be’er-Sheva Association  & Center for the Preservation of the Tradition of Babylonian (Iraqi) Jews, founded in 1991 by 5 key Iraqi figures in the city: Chairman of the Scholarship Fund (and my neighbor for decades), Ovadya Kalai; historian, Dr. Nissim Kazaz; lawyer & notary, Balfour Kvity; former Director of the Public Library, David Sa’ad; and car-dealer & philanthropist Ezra Yerucham (who funded an advanced Cancer Research Laboratory at BGU in 2014). This center maintains a fund that grants academic scholarships to students of Iraqi origin who reside in Be’er-Sheva – www.universities-colleges.org.il/P32473/?show=4&f=91163.

From 1975-1980, architect Nahum Zolotov, a master of raw concrete architecture, completed the unique Central Synagogue of the Iraqi-Jewish Community of Be’er-Sheva (in memory of Eliyahu Halachi) at 5 Montefiori St. in Aleph–nicknamed “the Star Synagogue” or “the Pyramid,” due to its rare star-of-David shape. It features a central lectern podium, around which the men sit, while the women sit in the 6 points of the star, under stained-glass windows. At night, when lit, a beam of light shoots out of the point at the top of the star.

In 2016, the Park of the Babylonian Immigrants, located in the Gimel neighborhood (on Wingate St.) was dedicated in memory of “Operation Ezra and Nehemiah” (1950-1951) that brought the bulk of Iraqi Jewry to Israel, many becoming founders of the City of Be’er-Sheva. It’s right near the oldest Iraqi community synagogue in the city “Magen David.” 

Egyptian + Karaite Jewry

The first synagogue you encounter, “ha-Avot” (lit., the fathers), located on Be’er-Sheva‘s unique “Synagogue Row” on Shabazi St. in the Aleph neighborhood, belongs to the Egyptian-Jewish community.

Most of the original members of the Karaite community and synagogue in Be’er-Sheva came from Egypt. This congregation is mostly located in the Old City, under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Firrouz. The Karaites are accepted as Jews and their marriages are recognized by the State of Israel. They are distinct from mainstream Judaism, since they do not accept Jewish ‘oral law’ and the post-biblical rabbinic traditions and strictly adhere to the fundamental dictates of the Hebrew Bible. For example (like Muslims today), they remove their shoes before entering holy places, as indicated in the Hebrew Bible – http://www.karaite.korner.com.

Persian/Iranian Jewry

The central organization of the Persian/Iranian-Jewish community in the Negev Region is called “Tsiyone Iran” and is located in the Bet neighborhood at 40 Bialik St. at the corner of Betsalel St. 08-6413253, 08-6463023, 050-5690390, 052-3235374.   

The fifth synagogue you encounter on Be’er-Sheva‘s unique “Synagogue Row” on Shabazi St. in the Aleph neighborhood belongs to the Persian-Jewish community and was built in memory of Avraham Erets-Kedoshah (1931-1955), who was randomly shot and killed by snipers on the road to Eilat.

Libyan Jewry

The third synagogue you encounter, “ha-Nasi,” on Be’er-Sheva‘s unique “Synagogue Row” on Shabazi St. in the Aleph neighborhood belongs to the Libyan-Jewish community.

Moroccan Jewry

The Association des originaires du Maroc en Beersheba, currently headed by Haim E. Melca, holds Moroccan culture evenings, the proceeds of which are used for student study-grants – http://www.melca.info, 08-6433751.

A Moroccan community synagogue “Minhat Ya’akov” (once called “Tehillat David”) located in the Daled neighborhood, contains a memorial corner where some congregants light candles in memory of Rabbi Chaim Ibn-Attar (or Hayyim Ben-Attar, a.k.a. “Or ha-Hayyim ha-Kadosh,” 1696-1743), a famous Moroccan Talmudist and Kabbalist.

“Maghreb” is a local Moroccan theater group that occasionally performs original or translated plays in Moroccan dialect at the Culture Hall.

The “Mabrukah” (lit., congratulations!) – Moroccan Treasures Hall seats up to 350 guests and offers authentic kosher Moroccan cuisine, atmosphere and folklore & catering – 08-6450749, mabruka.mazaltov2u.co.il.

“Yakota” (opened in the 1965) is a beautiful kosher Moroccan restaurant that totally immerses you in a Moroccan atmosphere. ‘Veteran’ Chef Beber Ben-Moyal (b.1959-) personally prepares 150-year old family recipes and caters to every special request. Although it’s located in the Old City at 27 Morde ha-Geta’ot St., you feel like your sitting in Fez or Tangier and the food is delicious! – 08-6232689, 050-7949495.

Maghrebi/North African Jewry

Every year, on the night that marks the end of the Passover festival week (with its many dietary restrictions), North African Jews in Be’er-Sheva (and their guests) celebrate the “Mimouna” when returning to an unrestricted diet by covering large tables with fresh fried and colorful baked sweets, donning traditional ethnic costumes, playing traditional ethnic music, and opening their homes to guests.  

An unique, annual “Rosh hodesh ha-banot” (“New-moon girls’ festival”) is celebrated by North-African Jewish women in the middle of Hanukkah (the Festival of Lights, usually in December). 

Tunisian Jewry

“AYOT” – the  Be’er-Sheva Association for Jewish Immigrants from Tunisia has a Center for the Promotion of the Tunisian Heritage located at 103 ha-Shalom St. in the Gimel Neighborhood. The association provides remedial classes for school children in need of help. Some of the local founders and leaders of the community are: Dani Fitousi, Rene Teshuvah, former City Council Member Nissim Na’im, & Ruthi Tsarfati.

A new main synagogue for the Tunisian community of Be’er-Sheva is being built on Mivsta Uvdah in Yud Aleph, intended to be an exact replica of the “Great Synagogue” in Tunis. Unfortunately, it appears that the construction has been stalled for some time due to insufficient funds for its completion; obviously another donor is being sought.

An unique, annual “Seudat Yitro” (“Feast of Jethro” or “Fete de Yetrou”) is held by the Tunisian-Jewish community on the Thursday preceding the reading of the Hebrew Bible portion “Yitro” (“Jethro”) in the synagogues (usually in February). It ostensibly celebrates the end of a plague that killed many Jewish men and boys in Tunisia. It’s also considered a Sons’ Feast, at which a festive miniature 3-course meal is served to the boys on miniature dishes, in miniature cups, shot glasses and with small ‘desert’ utensils. Even the food portions are minimalistic and include: 1st course–small sweetbreads, traditional farina & date cookies shaped like children & animals (makroud) & bite-sized, rosebud-shaped, fried deblah; 2nd course–vegetable pies (ma’akouda), salads & green fava beans; and the unusual 3rd & main course: pigeons stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, each inscribed with the name of the boy being served. The origin of this strange, uniquely Tunisian, festival is still unclear.  

“Yasmina” is a newly-established (2017-, hopefully annual), specifically Israeli-Tunisian cultural event held in Be’er-Sheva in the middle of the Sukkot Festival (Tabernacles, usually in October), to bolster the Tunisian-Jewish cultural heritage through authentic Tunisian-Jewish music, stories & foods.

Yemenite Jewry

In Be’er-Sheva, the “Shabbazi Community” aids and supports new immigrants from Yemen and Aden, holds frequent religious and cultural events, and publishes a Hebrew weekly online journal. Some of the leading figures are: Zechariah Aharon, Zion Ahraq, Rabbi Natan’el al-Sheikh, Attorney Moshe Danoch, David Erez, Zechariah Hajbi & Yosef Matana. The “Abba Shalom Shabbazi” Synagogue (baladi liturgy) and“Bet Shabbazi” Community Center are both located on Shabbazi St. in the Aleph neighborhood. On Thurs. March 8, 2018, a special evening was held in honor of the last living crew member of Alaska Airlines, British Capt. Elgen Long (aged 91), who flew Yemenites to Israel in 1949; in the audience were 1 baby and 1 fetus who had been on that life-saving flight. Capt. Long, a righteous gentile, had never been back to Israel since 1949 and was amazed by all he saw. He also stated that he was only 1 member of the crew and accepts the honor on behalf of the entire rescue team posthumously.

Other Yemenite synagogues in Be’er-Sheva are: “Sha’are Tsedeq” (shaami liturgy) also on Shabazzi St. in Aleph; “Al-Sheikh” (baladi liturgy) in Daled; and “Afiqe Teman” in the Ramot neighborhood.

An amateur Yemenite theater group called “Penine Teman” (lit., Yemenite pearls) has put on original Judeo-Arabic plays in the Yemenite dialect, such as: “Sa’id and Sa’idah” (2006).

Authentic, kosher Yemenite cuisine is available in a number of places, for example: Shabbazi Restaurant in the Old City at 16 Smilanski St., where one can order delicacies, such as: Beef foot-bone soup, head meat, tail meat, and pita-bread hot off the tabun-oven wall; “Falafel ha-Kerem 2” – “the most Yemenite in town” at 2 Shimoni St. in Bet with take-away – 052-2460530); “ha-Felafel ha-Temani” at 17 Gershon Shufman St. in Neveh Ze’ev (with take-away – 053-9377950); and “Megulgalawah” at 4 Yitshaq Ben-Tsevi in the Merkaz Ezrahi neighborhood (facing the Government Mall) that makes Yemenite foods like malawah and jahnun (fried breads); and Uri’s Yemenite Felafel at 35 Pinhas ha-Hotsev St.