Batya Levine is a Philadelphia-based Jewish-American musician, composer, ritual leader, and queer activist. A leading figure in the contemporary Jewish ritual music revival, they are dedicated to transforming ancient liturgy into a driving force for modern justice movements.
Levine is renowned for their profound Nigunim (wordless Jewish melodies) and original liturgical songs, with the acclaimed album Karov as a centerpiece. As a core member of the Rising Song Institute, Levine uses workshops and communal singing to provide spiritual grounding for communities in flux. Their career is defined by viewing music as a “tool for empowerment”—not only for religious ritual but for building emotional solidarity within political resistance. Their work bridges tradition and innovation, offering cultural belonging to a younger generation often marginalized by mainstream Jewish institutions.
Levine’s stance is one of “healing-centered resistance.” An active supporter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), they frequently lead songs at anti-occupation rallies. Levine maintains that Jewish liberation and Palestinian freedom are two sides of the same struggle. They have stated: “Singing is how we stay human in the face of dehumanizing violence. When we sing for Palestinian freedom, we are mending a world torn apart by violence. My identity teaches me that no one’s safety should be built upon another’s imprisonment.” Levine is dedicated to using sound to envision a world without walls.