On mother's day I released a new video of one of my favorite songs I've written. I wrote "Kualo Tienes" in the middle of the night some years back, when, as a new mother, I could not comfort my crying newborn. I rocked her, I whispered to her, I asked all the questions with my loving caresses - are you tired? are you sad? are you lonely? In the end, I sang to her that I would just hold her for however long it took to take away her pain. While this song - written in Ladino - was inspired by motherhood, it truly is for all the caregivers out there who love so unconditionally and want only peace of mind and body for those we hold dear. Not just on mother's day, but each and every day.
Ladino Around the World!
I just got back a few days ago from a whirlwind tour in Sicily and Southern Italy with the Sephardic program I co-direct with Chef Susan Barocas, Savor: A Sephardic Music & Food Experience. We ate and sang our way through medieval cities where Jews have lived for centuries (and in some cases, millennia!). In Sicily we explored Palermo, Monreale, Erice, Syracuse and Catania - all through a Sephardic music and food lens- and even made our way up magnificent Mount Etna. Here I am sharing some Ladino spirit by one of the craters! In Southern Italy we visited Bari, Matera, Trani, Naples and Pompeii and learned about the Jewish artisans, thinkers and mystics who left their marks there. Along the way, we shared Ladino and Italian Jewish song, cooked Italian Jewish dishes (caponata!) and shared in beautiful history and memories together. Want to join us on one of our next travel adventures? We've got trips planned through 2027 to Croatia, Mexico and the Caribbean. Learn more here.
A Grasia for Dona Grasia Nasi
In honor of International Women's Day, and simply because I'm a fan girl, I recorded a Tiny Desk video of a song I wrote for Dona Grasia Nasi, a 16th century Crypto-Jewish heroine who saved hundreds and hundreds of fellow Jews escaping the throes of the Spanish Inquisition. To her, I say grasias for all the courage and strength she possessed to preserve our Sephardic culture - at great danger to herself. It is truly because of her that so much of our culture has survived. Click here to learn more about this amazing woman. The full lyrics and translation of my song can be found here.
The Livros Lookout Bookclub!
After 2 years hosting The Livros Lookout web series reviewing books with Sephardic content each week, I'm thrilled to launch the Livros Lookout Bookclub! Livros is the Ladino word for books, and the Livros Lookout Bookclub builds community by exploring Sephardic-themed books together. Over virtual meetings spread out over the year, and opportunities for engagement in between, club participants will engage with authors and each other about the historical, cultural - and human - themes of each of the curated books. All the details of how to join the club and get access to resources, booklists, community and more can be found here. Don’t miss out! Join today!
The Kantikas Countdown
I've just launched my newest web series! The Kantikas Countdown is a new monthly series where I highlight an artist or ensemble doing innovative work in the Ladino music world. Kantikas is the Ladino word for “songs,” and this series is my way of sharing more Ladino songs - and artists - with the world.
On the last Friday of each month, watch my chosen Ladino artists offer unique insights into a favorite Ladino song they've recorded. Additionally, we're providing a curated Kantikas Countdown Spotify playlist to hear some of the artist's Ladino song (and other) inspirations along with each episode! I look forward to sharing these fabulous artists with you in the year to come and for audiences to see and hear the breadth of our global Ladino music community. Click below to watch the first episode!
That's a Wrap on 2025!
2025 was a whirlwind! I published 3 children's books, recorded a new album (coming in 2026), gave performances across the USA, had 3 European tours, shared Savor with new audiences across the globe and so much more. Thanks to everyone who helped make it all happen - especially my co-producer, Shai Bachar. We just celebrated our bat-mitzvah year of recording and performing together for 13 years! Mazal bueno to us! 2026, here we come!
100 Episodes of the Livros Lookout!
November marked 100 week straight of my series, the Livros Lookout, in which I have reviewed books - across genres- with Sephardic or Ladino themes. It has been a true labor of love! Want to see the complete list? Here it is!
The Bavajadas Challenge!
October marks the publication of my 5th children's book, Bavajadas! That's Just Silly! Bavajadas literally means ‘nonsense’ in Ladino. The book is as silly as the word! I invite you to try saying “Bavajadas” 10 times fast. Can you do it? 🤪
Symbolic Bilingualism
New essay for the new year! “Symbolic Bilingualism” - how we can help our children learn to “read” Jewish symbols in new, important ways. Read the full essay here published by the Jewish Book Council. Comment with your thoughts!
Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah!
August marks the release of my newest children's book, Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah. With art by Maria Mola and published by Kar-Ben Publishing, it's a ender-hearted board book that introduces the very youngest set to the Sephardic (Ladino) greeting and special customs for the Jewish new year. I love this quiet book for Rosh Hashanah - with a Sephardic twist - and I hope it will bring joy and sweetness to families of all backgrounds! Available now wherever books are sold, but you can can get a signed copy here.
