Meet Avirah

President

Liora Petter-Lipstein, Class of 2025

Liora is a senior Public Policy major from Highland Park, NJ. With a giant water bottle and handy dandy notebook, she is ready to continue dancing with Avirah this year! Liora is often found either crocheting or meticulously coordinating her schedule in a planner and/or color-coordinated Google Calendar. Lately she's started playing mahjong and knitting, in addition to serving as an election worker skipping a career entirely and catapulting to retirement activities.

Incoming President

Shoshi Braier, Class of 2026

Shoshi is a junior Physics and Math major from Silver Spring, Maryland. You can often find her knitting on McKeldin mall, solving the day's Connections puzzle, or obsessing over some new musical artist. Shoshi is relatively new to dance, but super excited to learn and grow with Avirah!

Artistic Director

Pearly Gal-Edd, Class of 2026

Pearly Gal-edd is a junior Cell Biology and Genetics and Chemistry double major from Rockville, MD. She's been doing Israeli Dance since 3rd grade! When she's not dancing, she's hiding somewhere in McKeldin, making Spotify playlists, or running around with her friends.

Treasurer

Esther Pereira Trostler Feron, Class of 2025

Esther is a fourth year student studying environmental science and policy with a concentration in land use. They hold a degree in agricultural communication and leadership from the IAA, and are so excited to be in Avirah! Esther’s favorite rehearsal activity is doing improvised Israeli dance while running sound, and hosting IR activies! Outside of Avirah, Esther can be found at the 9:30 club in DC, having a Shabbat sleepover, or collaging with friends.

Incoming Treasurer

Robert Mintz, Class of 2027

Robert is an accounting major from Rockville, Maryland. He loves crocheting and doomscrolling. He is new to Israeli dance but has a newfound love for it. He is a little quiet when you first meet him, but once you start talking, you’ll see how chaotic he actually is.

Public Relations Chair

Leora Leavey, Class of 2028

Leora is a freshman psychology and nursing major from Bethesda, Maryland! Coming from a high school Israeli Dance group, she is oh so excited to continue dancing in college. She can be found practicing choreography in her dorm room, napping under a cozy blanket, posting on the Avirah Instagram, or studying on the fourth floor of McKeldin! 

Internal Relations Chair

Zachary Dankowicz, Class of 2028

Zachary is from Rockville, MD. He is majoring in Environmental Science & Technology with a minor in Entomology. When not dancing, he enjoys singing, photography, and working on his research in the fly collection of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Faculty Advisor

Peggy Antonisse, PhD.

Peggy is Avirah's advisor and mentor. She is a professor of Linguistics at UMD, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate students about the human language system. Peggy is also heavily involved in the DC-area Israeli Dance community, as a regular at local dance sessions and a member of the Israeli Dance Festival DC Committee.

Chana Bitman, Class of 2024

Chana recently graduated in December 2024 with a degree in psychology. She is currently working as a medical assistant and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Chana is very excited to be a member of Avirah for a third year and do more Israeli dancing! 

Eli Greene, Class of 2025

Eli is a senior Animal Science major from Boca Raton, FL, and is in her third year with Avirah. Eli has been hard work developing her third dance for the group, the parody suite. When not dancing, she spends her time with the campus farm horses, coloring, or with the Mishpach-Avirah. 

Jess Daninhirsch, Class of 2026

Jess Daninhirsch is a junior from Pittsburgh, PA. She is studying journalism with a minor in history, and while she’s been a dancer her entire life, this is her first time trying Israeli dance! In addition to Avirah, Jess is a member of Kol Sasson A Cappella and Ruach, Hillel’s reform group. When she’s not dancing, singing, taking photos, or writing, she also enjoys listening to vinyl records, spending time with friends and family, and playing with her two dogs (when she’s at home).

Lila Wohl, Class of 2026

Lila joined Avirah this fall! A few fun facts about her, she is building her own major, loves to do pottery and has been known to show up for rehearsal covered in clay, and is a first grade Hebrew school teacher! 

Ari Mintz, Class of 2026

Ari is from Kemp Mill, MD and is a junior chemistry major. He loves music, sudoku, graphic design, and in his spare time he does safrut (Jewish ritual calligraphy). 

Raeha Richman, Class of 2027

Raeha is a Class of 2027 student studying anthropology with a concentration in archaeology. Raeha’s favorite rehearsal activities are Harkadah Roulette and upbeat dances! Outside of Avirah, Raeha can be found at Language Chats, The Clarice, Archaeology Chats, and or adventuring outdoors.

Shira Levy, Class of 2028