by Helen Leneman

Woman Cantor Breaks Tradition in Yugoslavia

This is the story of the first woman to stand on a bima (synagogue podium) in Yugoslavia. Not only did this woman stand on the bima; she also sang. An American cantor visiting Sarajevo as a tourist, she was unexpectedly invited to participate from the bima in Friday evening services. I was that woman; and I made history that night in Sarajevo, in the summer of 1989.

Continue reading this article…

Already a subscriber? Log in above to keep reading. Or subscribe now for immediate access to the complete digital and print editions, plus exclusive online access to Lilith's back issues.