PRESERVING AND PROMOTING OUR JEWISH HERITAGE THROUGH ISRAELI DANCE AND MUSIC
We believe in harnessing the power of movement and melody to celebrate our rich cultural legacy and foster a deep sense of joy, love, wellbeing and community
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Israeli Dance Master Class Weekend — an All-Star, All-Women Led Weekend. Interested in becoming a sponsor and supporting this incredible weekend? Reach out to us at norma@macholhouston.org to learn about exciting sponsorship opportunities.
ABOUT NOA
Noa lives in Israel and is a dedicated Israeli folk dance teacher, choreographer, fitness and line dance instructor and Yeahbit instructor – folk dance Zumba create by Gadi Bitton. She is married to Kobi, a chemical engineer and they have three wonderful sons. Their eldest son, Uri, was a soldier in the Israeli army. This past May 2024 at the age of 21 and a half, he was tragically killed in Gaza. He and his combat unit entered a clinic where an explosive device was hidden and it detonated, taking the lives of three soldiers, including Uri and seriously injuring five others. Uri was a musician and an artist at heart. From a young age, he painted, studied music, and composed four classical pieces. One of his compositions, *The Heartbeat*, was performed by a full orchestra of 51 musicians when he was just 18 years old.
Listen to *The Heartbeat*: https://youtu.be/VCLDsvfDws8?si=h_MIRzeINOnA5ZL8
Uri's love for music and dance intertwined. While in high school, he choreographed a dance for his class and today, his mother Noa continues to teach it in dance sessions and schools, keeping his spirit alive through movement.
Uri’s dance:
https://youtu.be/EAPI_eL3ZrI?si=Qp8aBDOjLfG2MLNg
https://youtube.com/shorts/nubr5HhfGSc?si=aFtmLGcHKWk6_Pkg
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCWm00ssRPd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.facebook.com/100001198096319/videos/1275873550137222/
In Uri’s honor, Noa created a dance called *The Door Will Be Open*, which reflects his personality and values. The song, performed by a special needs group, incorporates sign language, emphasizing inclusion and kindness—traits that defined Uri. He had an open heart for others, always ready to help.
The Door Will Be Open Musical Video https://youtu.be/jUVVw7YTSBI?si=ROAOu_q5S9OgD6rQ
Choreography by Noa https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D6yX58ZDZ/?mibextid=7J6EjN
Noa’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001198096319
Since his passing, Noa and her family have learned of the profound impact Uri had on people’s lives. He was a youth guide and today, his students have followed in his footsteps, inspired by his leadership. One student, who felt isolated at school, found safety and love in Uri’s programs. Before joining the army, Uri mentored a young musician in composition software—she is now the principal composer for the IDF Orchestra. Noa has chosen to embrace life fully, to truly live—not just exist. Movement is her anchor; it heals and revives her. The pain and longing remain, but she chooses to focus on what lifts her up rather than what pulls her down. It is a conscious effort every single day. Falling would be easy, but she refuses to let that happen. Through dance, music and storytelling, Uri’s legacy continues.
ABOUT KEREN:
Keren Oren is a respected and dynamic Israeli folk dance instructor with over 15 years of experience inspiring dancers of all levels. Known for her vibrant energy and deep connection to the tradition of Israeli dance, Keren regularly leads popular circle dance sessions in Rishpon and is a featured instructor at major festivals and camps, including Camp BaTnua in Eilat, the Karmiel Dance Festival, Ashdodance, Dead Sea Weekend, and many others. Before dedicating herself fully to folk dance, Keren had a successful career as a professional ballet dancer, performing with acclaimed companies such as Muza and the Young Kibbutzit Contemporary Dance Company. Her talent and artistry were also showcased on a national stage when she participated in Israel’s official Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl, commemorating the country’s 70th anniversary.
Machol Houston dancers dazzle at OKIE event
In Oklahoma City, members of Machol Houston – Beth Lefkowitz, Adele Ownby, Rinat Alatin, Gina Winslow, Miriam Koslin, Adriana Fallas, Norma Szub and Zulema Villatobos – performed at an annual OKIE event.
Published Jewish Herald-Voice • Thu, Dec 05, 2024
Preparation, training and teamwork paid off for dancers of Machol Houston. Their hard work culminated in an extraordinary performance on Thursday, Nov. 21, in Oklahoma City at the OKIE – Oklahoma Israel Exchange – annual fundraising event. The event at the Omni Hotel was an evening celebrating Israeli culture, music and dance.
Edie S. Roodman, OKIE executive director, approached Machol Houston during the summer with an invitation: Would Machol Houston be interested in traveling to Oklahoma City to perform at their event?
What began as a friendly conversation became Machol Houston’s first out-of-town performance. Eight members of the dance group went to Oklahoma.
Machol Houston’s performance was elevated by the live accompaniment of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra. Dancing to iconic songs such as “Yisrael Sheli” and “Am Yisrael Chai,” the performers brought the spirit of Israel to life on stage.
“Yisrael Sheli,” which celebrates the beauty and spirit of Israel, features choreography by Gadi Bitton and marks Israel’s 70th anniversary.
“Am Yisrael Chai” resonates as an anthem of resilience and hope, especially poignant since Oct. 7, 2023, and the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The audience of 350 was mesmerized by the group’s skillful performance, which combines intricate choreography with the powerful energy of live music.
Since its 1992 founding, OKIE has strengthened ties between Oklahoma and Israel through cultural, educational and commercial programs. This event exemplified that mission, creating a platform to celebrate Israeli heritage while fostering unity and understanding.
Machol Houston, a Houston nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Jewish culture through Israeli dance and music. The group offers inclusive weekly dance sessions, annual workshops with world-renowned choreographers and therapeutic dance programs for seniors. Its mission is to create a joyful community where people of all backgrounds can connect through movement and tradition.
The milestone performance in Oklahoma City was a testament to the dedication and talent of Machol Houston members and also a celebration of the unifying power of dance and music.
“Dreams are not just goals; they’re a journey enriched by the people who believe in them,” said Norma Szub, Machol Houston program director. “This was a dream come true, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
To learn about Machol Houston’s programs or to support its mission, go to macholhouston.org.