On May 16th, 2021, we had the honor and pleasure of having a guest speaker: Petra Gelbart, who was gracious enough to allow us to share a recording of her presentation about Roma, Jews, and the Representation of Motherhood.
Having migrated by multiple routes from Asia, Roma (“Gypsies”) lived on the margins of European society for centuries, an experience shared by many Jews. Even today, both groups still contend with high levels of prejudice. Yet both groups, separately and together, have woven their cultural contributions through the fabric of the continent’s history. Petra Gelbart will give an interactive presentation on various times and places where Jews and Roma have crossed paths, from genocide and social movements to music and marriage. Watch live, accompanied songs as well as video clips, with a special focus on the representation of motherhood.
Petra Gelbart, Ph.D., MT-BC, is a Roma educator, music therapist, musician, and scholar who resides in the Czech Republic and the U.S. She holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Harvard University and a Master’s in Music Psychotherapy from Molloy College. Her work includes developmental and rehabilitative music therapy, programs for foster and adoptive families, as well as college-level teaching. She has performed at a number of venues in Europe and North America, both as a soloist and as part of the band Via Romen. Petra is active in several Roma organizations, and her youngest child Niklo happily attends the City Congregation KidSchool.
Watch a recording of her presentation:
To see upcoming events or watch them live, check out our calendar
