She Was Told to Perform on Shabbos, So This Orthodox Jewish Virtuoso Violinist Created Her Own Stage

At just 17 years old, Orthodox Jewish virtuoso violinist Nesya Fertel has already built an impressive musical résumé. A student at Los Angeles’s prestigious Colburn School, where she studies under renowned violin instructor Robert Lipsett, Nesya has performed internationally as a soloist and earned recognition in major competitions.

But as she began pursuing a professional career in classical music, she encountered a challenge that had nothing to do with her musical ability: some of the industry’s most important performances take place on Friday nights.

Nesya, who grew up in an observant Jewish family in Baltimore, began playing violin at age three after watching her older sister learn the instrument. Her parents recognized her passion early on, homeschooling her and eventually relocating the family to Salt Lake City so she could study with a renowned teacher. At 14, she moved to Los Angeles to continue her training at Colburn.

For Nesya, music has always been a source of joy rather than an obligation. Her passion also reflects a deeper Jewish idea about the role of creativity in the world. Rav Kook taught that God left creation unfinished, inviting human beings to become partners in its completion. Seen through this lens, artistic expression is more than a personal pursuit; it’s an opportunity to use one’s God-given talents to contribute something meaningful to the world.

Yet despite her dedication and talent, Nesya says she was repeatedly encouraged to perform on Shabbos and warned that refusing could jeopardize her career. “I was pressured so much to perform on Shabbos, and I was told that my career would suffer if I didn’t,” she said. “But I completely refused to see Shabbos as a limitation. I was told to choose between my dreams and my values and I knew that there has to be another way.” 

Rather than abandon her religious commitments, Nesya began exploring a different approach to performing.  She developed In Sync, a concert format combining classical violin performances with storytelling and reflections on the lessons she’s learned through music. The project allows her to pursue her passion while creating performance opportunities outside the traditional concert circuit.

For Nesya, the challenges of navigating the classical music world have become an opportunity to think creatively about her future. Rather than choosing between her passion for violin and her commitment to Jewish observance, already at the beginning of her career she’s finding a way to pursue both on her own terms.

See Nesya Perform Live! Nesya will be bringing her violin talents to the stage at Jew in the City’s 3rd Jewish Media Awards on November 5 at Lincoln Center in New York City. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating authentic Jewish representation in Hollywood. Get your tickets here!

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