The Shuk: An Israeli & Jewish Musical Experience for Everyone
Name of Jew-Doer: Avital, Yoni
Occupation of Jew-Doer: Director of Operations of 'The Shuk'
Description
'The Shuk' is an Israel-based, innovative, and unique music project that I began together with my dearest friend, Ami Yares, in the summer of 2008. With an incredible friendship and musical connection that bonded us together, Ami and I put the wheels in motion to bring The Shuk to fruition. At the time, Ami was taking part in the Paideia Project Incubator in Sweden where he and many other educators from around Europe were developing programs to strengthen Jewish identity and culture across Europe. At Paideia, the idea of The Shuk was born.
We wanted something dynamic that would use all of our resources and strengths as leaders, accomplished musicians and established educators with ethnomusicological backgrounds. This 'something' would offer something much more than a regular gigging band. What transpired shortly thereafter was the creation of an ensemble of musicians and educators who would work together with populations of all backgrounds and ages from around the world.
The Shuk became an ensemble that would offer hands-on programming, interactive workshops, concerts and performances while educating, stimulating, entertaining, and touching people at the same time. The project presents an intensely inclusive and participatory platform where participants can both explore their own heritage, identity and history regardless of their background and affiliation.
Up to this day, after only a year and a half of existence, The Shuk has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of people from the ages of 1 till 101. Between our participation in conferences and conventions across Europe for crowds of all ages, workshops and concerts in summer camps,universities, appearances in music festivals, synagogues, nursing homes, community centers, Limmud conferences and simchas, we've been engaging people, getting them excited, and involved in an active dialogue dealing with the rich and beautiful history, culture, and tradition of the Jewish people.
Our project's success lies upon the foundation that we converge upon new venues with a pluralistic, non-discriminatory, and inclusive platform. The Shuk has engaged both Jewish and non-Jewish populations, elementary school students, doctoral students, rabbis, children and geriatric populations, you name it.
The Shuk's slogan of, 'Preserve. Perpetuate. Innovate' speaks for itself. We set out to this in the Summer of '08 and this is what has been actualized over the past year and a half.
It has been a blessing to work with all those who are involved in The Shuk. We have been inspired by the love and support that we receive continually from people who have participated in The Shuk's programming.
Please take a look at this video that I put together and get a brief glimpse of The Shuk.
