More than 200 women from across Sydney’s Jewish community came together last night for an evening of singing, connection and shared joy.
Hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJW), Together in Song: Connecting Jewish Women Through Song brought women of different ages (including a few children) and backgrounds into one room for a relaxed night of music.
Participating organisations included WIZO NSW, Womanpower, JCA, Operation Golda, Orah Sydney and UIA Women’s Division, making the event a unique community gathering.
The evening followed a Kululam-style format, with participants learning songs before singing them together as one large group.
The singing was led by Lara Goodridge, Leah Reid, Orly Terkasher, Sarit Michael and Sasha Fisher, with Michelle Goldman on piano.
Participant Shana Kerlander said the night offered a welcome chance to step away from the pressure many in the community have felt since October 7.
“Since October 7, it’s been important for me to find moments to switch off from the heaviness we’ve all been carrying,” she said.
“Music has been that outlet, and singing with 200 Jewish women was uplifting and a beautiful reminder of the strength, connection and joy we can find together.”
The evening also gave women a chance to catch up, meet others and enjoy being together in a setting focused simply on music and community.