Tikka Smiley

Tikka has been engaging audiences of all ages with her vocal arrangements for more than 25 years. Whether exploring rhythm and rhyme on the floor with toddlers or having a bar full of adults sing along as she belted out 90’s rock anthems in her cover band “Pretty in Plaid”, Tikka’s passion for performance and interaction shines. She had the pleasure of playing “Ella Acapella” on Sharon, Lois & Bram’s “Skinnamarink TV” and was featured on their Juno Award-winning album.

Tikka has been working in Jewish synagogues for the past decade and has gained a deep understanding of how music brings congregants together. Her work teaching ancient vocal tropes, as well as her extensive involvement in program development, inspired her to share her knowledge of Jewish chants with a wider audience. With the creation of Hava N’ranena, she feels she has come home – combining her greatest skill sets into a spiritual movement she is blessed to share with the world!

Musician Bios

Tamar Geraci

Tamar has been studying guitar and has been singing in choirs since childhood. She is a musical artist and singer/songwriter currently working on publishing her first collaborative original Album release.

Tamar is an Alumni of the Hadar Rising Song Institute’s Davening Fellowship program. She has attended the Davening Leadership Training Institute and has had private mentorship. These studies focused on developing a close connection and interpretive articulation with Nusach, Liturgical melodies and Niggunim. Tamar has been the musical accompaniment for several Rabbis, Cantors, Jewish choirs, B’nai Mitzvah students, Festival concerts and many Simchas.

Susan Litchen

Susan is an active member of the downtown Toronto Jewish Community. She has been leading and teaching Children’s Education at the venerable Beach Hebrew Institute (Beaches Shul) for the past 14 years where she engages families for the High Holidays, teaches children in the Hebrew School, tutors b’nei mitzvah kids, and leads The (You Don’t Have To Be) Jewish Family Choir.

Susan creates music opportunities in the city with The Tequila Mockingbird singalongs, and several high energy bands where she sings, plays flute, saxophone and guitar. She loves to lead casual choirs in seniors centres and anywhere people come to gather. Susan’s passion is to get everyone to join in the music making.

Karen Gold

Karen began studying hand drumming after spotting an ad in a local coffee shop, and has been hooked since. A long-time member of the Danforth Jewish Circle’s community choir, she has sung and drummed at services and community events. While she will play almost anything (including tabletops) she is increasingly drawn to the frame drum – also known as the timbrel – which Miriam played as she led the ancient Israelites across the Sea of Reeds.

Rachel Sheinin

Rachel has been singing jewish music for over 25 years. A former member of the klezmer band Pomegranate, and a current member of The Horables, Rachel plays klezmer violin and sings Yiddish folk songs. She was a founding leader of Zing Zing Zing, a jewish folk choir, and also plays Irish and jazz violin.