Theatre group raises funds for abused women

TORONTO — A performance of song, dance and script by women for women will raise funds to bring awareness to domestic abuse in the Jewish community.

To be held March 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Leah Posluns Theatre, the show, Koleinu, features a group of six performers who have teamed up with Jewish Family & Child to support its programs for abused women.

Rivka Lomiansky, 24, who runs Neshamah, a musical theatre group for Torah-observant girls, said the women originally got together to look for an opportunity to perform in a way that expresses their values.

“We have created modern but modest dances,” Lomiansky said.

The idea behind the show, she said, is to be a voice – Koleinu means “our voice” in Hebrew – for those who need it, and to let people in abusive relationships know that there are people who care.

Penny Krowitz, executive director of Jewish Women International of Canada, said that abuse in a relationship knows no bounds.

“It can happen in any group – high education or no education, rich or poor, secular or religious,” she said.

“It is an imbalance of power and can encompass verbal, emotional, financial, sexual or physical abuse. I commend anyone in the community for bringing this issue to the forefront.”

Lomiansky said the evening will include a raffle, women artisans selling work, and kosher food. For information and tickets, call 416-636-5984, ext. 321, or visit koleinu.eventbrite.com.