By-Women, for-Women: Acclaimed David The Servant King Musical By Former Baltimore Composer And Playwright Wows Critics And Audiences In Israel (Photos)
Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 18, 2026 - Following a run of six highly successful performances in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, David the Servant King has received overwhelming acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Audience feedback was unanimously enthusiastic—an across-the-board “two thumbs up”—with many women returning for repeat viewings and bringing along family and friends.
Featuring music and lyrics by composer Shlomit Koffler Weinreb (formerly known as Shalomis Weinreb) and a compelling script co-written by Avital Macales and Weinreb, the by-women, for-women musical was hailed as a true masterpiece. Praise poured in for its professional-level script, powerful acting, soaring music, brilliant directing, choreography, costumes, and exquisite vocal performances and harmonies.
The cast of 28 women included several former Baltimoreans, among them Stephanie (Tamar) Rabinowitz, Shayna Levine-Hefetz, Penina Taylor and her daughter Rachel Anolick, Anne Sperling, Aviva Karpel, Robin Kravetz, and Shlomit Koffler Weinreb.
David the Servant King tells the little-known story—based on midrashim—of David HaMelech’s journey from the shunned black sheep of his family to the anointed shepherd and future king of Israel. It is the first theatrical production to explore how David’s early childhood adversity shaped him into Israel’s greatest king and passionate champion of G-d. Central to the story is David’s mother, Nitzevet—played by Stephanie (Tamar) Rabinowitz—and the challenging choice she made that altered her son’s destiny.
The show’s playbill included haskamos from Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, shlita, and Rabbi Zev Leff, shlita, and detailed the extensive sources used in researching the script. The two-act musical features 18 beautiful, engaging, and emotionally powerful songs that at times delighted audiences and at others moved them to tears.
Described as “Jewish Broadway,” the production was professionally directed by Ayelet Sanay, with Ellen Macales serving as Musical Director and Chorale Arranger and Gabriella Friedman as Choreographer. Shayna Levine-Hefetz served as the musical’s Production Manager, a pivotal and critical position without which the show would not have succeeded.
On February 5, audiences in Baltimore and women throughout the English-speaking world tuned in to watch the livestream broadcast live from Jerusalem. For those who were unable to attend the performances or view the livestream, click here for another opportunity to watch the recorded livestream—now available at a discounted price.
