Ashira
- Origin
- Ramat Gan, Israel
- Years active
- 2006
- Genres
- jewish rock, blues, irish folk
- Instruments
- violin, flute, guitar, drums, vocals
Biography
Ashira is an Israeli Jewish rock band formed in 2006 at Bar-Ilan University by violinist Pnina Weintraub and flautist Yael Taitz. The band is notable for performing exclusively for women, adhering to the Jewish law of kol isha. Their musical style is a fusion of Jewish rock, blues, and Irish folk, with occasional hip-hop influences. Ashira's repertoire includes covers of Israeli songs, Jewish biblical texts, and original Hebrew lyrics with religious themes. The band's formation was driven by Weintraub's desire to create an artistic outlet for religious women in Israel and to address the need for female musicians at Jewish events.
Over the years, the band has seen changes in its lineup, with current members including Sapir Gizbar (lead vocals), Lia Bagrish (guitar, vocals), Pnina Weintraub (violin, vocals), Yael Taitz (flute), and Maayan Schweitzer (drums). Their debut album was announced in 2014, and a self-released album titled "Ashira" followed in 2019. While the band's primary focus is on performing for women, their music has gained recognition for its unique blend of genres and its commitment to religious and cultural expression. While Ashira is an Israeli band, their music has a universal appeal that resonates with listeners interested in diverse musical styles.