Steven Weintraub, the Pied Piper of Yiddish Dance, is a teacher, choreographer, and performer of Jewish dance - particularly Yiddish dance, the dance to klezmer music. He is sought out by festival and communities worldwide, including Klezkanada, and festivals in Krakow, Furth, Paris and London. His enthusiasm is infectious and his broad knowledge of steps, patterns and the role of dance in Jewish life insightful.

Join Steve Shabbat morning for a unique D’var Torah. Parsha Bamidbar retells the counting of the Israelis.  The importance of counting – people and dance – is a theme Steve will explore in greater depth.

Klezmer music will fill the Social Hall after Kiddish as we learn what we can of the lively Freylekhs, the boisterous Bulgar, the stately Zhok, that essential Jewish square dance, the Sher. 

Young and old, from all backgrounds, find it easy to share in the joy of Yiddish dancing. It is one of the few activities that all generations can enjoy together and speaks to everyone’s hearts and souls.

There is something in the DNA of Yiddish dance and the klezmer music that accompanies it that has a natural resonance for all sorts of people. From children to seniors, on your feet or in a chair, there is always a way of taking part and celebrating. In no time at all, people have a radically enjoyable shared experience they will remember and talk about for a long time.

Yiddish dance is the way European and American Jews danced before the creation and dissemination of Israeli dance. It is more concerned with patterns in space and personal style than elaborate footwork. Easy to learn and enjoyable to participate, it has some elements in common with square dancing, folk dancing styles of Russia, Poland and Romania and ballroom waltz elegance.