WHO WE ARE
ATARA, founded in 2007, is a diverse community of individuals committed to both Torah observance and the development and expression of creative talent. Some of us became observant after professional arts training or careers, while others emerge from within the observant community. We are performers, composers, writers, and producers who create new works or foster opportunities for others in arts training and expression. We live predominately in North America and Israel, but can be located anywhere. Founding board members came together from Pittsburgh, Boston, Cleveland, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Oregon, and Efrat, Israel, and conferences have hosted participants from South Carolina, Texas, Italy and the UK.
We aim to bridge geographic distance to promote the development and expression of talent – wherever it lives – according to Torah values, to create a more uplifted and beautiful world through our work. Together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
Halachic observance: Our participants are at minimum committed to Shabbat observance, but range from lenient to stringent in observance of other halachot as well as halachot related to the arts. At conferences, we provide the highest common denominator in terms of kashrut and adhere to Kol Isha in all performances. For dance, we request attire that covers knees, elbows and collarbone, but allows flexibility of movement. In use of non-Jewish music, we follow halachot of the Rambam.
WHAT WE DO
The individuals and groups involved in ATARA are actively engaged in arts disciplines; many at the professional level.
Together, we aim to create an infrastructure for the global community of observant artists; facilitating networking, performance and educational opportunities. We promote both social and professional communication between artists, and in any way we are able, support creative exploration and development within the framework of Jewish law.
Special effort is often needed to create settings in which Torah will be upheld in artistic fields, and ATARA strives to minimize the obstacles in these pursuits. By recognizing our shared goals, we can iyH help each other in achieving our independent, unique visions, as well as strengthening the resources and opportunities for creative work expressing Torah values.
WHERE WE ARE GOING
Through the internet and social media, we can be more connected and technologically capable than ever before. Our community boasts radio stations and other media outlets for women only, and as the world will iyH become a more openly spiritual place, this community and its talent will only grow and expand.
We hope that all who value the dual pursuit of Torah and the Arts will be able to find development and expression of their talents on the level of observance most comfortable and desired. We hope that observant artists will have continually improved resources and opportunities for creative exploration, and that the arts can be widely accepted and employed as mediums to express Jewish values. As Jews, our aim is to serve Hashem in the best way we can. As artists, this includes the beautification of spirituality to our utmost ability.