KosherGoddess Story                  

I was born in Siberia, lived in Moscow and Kazakhstan (no, this isn't a joke; I really lived there), and, as a child, moved to Israel with my family.  I first lived  in Jerusalem where, coming of age, I served in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force).  After marrying, I moved to Tel-Aviv, graduated in Textile Business Management from Shenkar Textile College, and worked for a few years in the fashion industry in Israel.  Sounds like a resume, doesn't it?  Well read on…

Although, since age fifteen, I have always made and sold a variety of fashion items, it was only in 1984, after the birth of my son, Adam, that I finally started manufacturing under my own label, “Irena.”  After that, I started selling my products to high-end boutiques in Israel  from Metula to Elat.

In 2000, I came to California to visit my parents, who were now living in the United States, and decided to stay here.  For the first time, I heard people in a spiritual community referring to each other as gods and goddesses…which was very amusing at the time. When I mentioned to someone that I was from Israel, he said, “Ha!!!!...you are the Kosher Goddess!” As a joke, I decided to adopt this nickname. Now, whenever  people hear Kosher Goddess, it brings smiles to their faces.  However, my birth name is Irina. “Ireni” is the goddess of peace in Greek mythology … a very popular name in Russia.

After arriving in Israel, I discovered that I am not considered Jewish because my mother is not Jewish.  So during my military service, I requested assistance from the military rabbinate to convert to Judaism.  I accomplished this under the guidance of Rabbi Gad Navon, himself, who was the Chief Rabbi of the Israeli Army at the time.  I was granted a Kosher Certificate, so I really am Kosher!

Later, on my continued spiritual journey, I was initiated by Indian Master, Osho, received Sannyas, and given a new name … Ma Prem Abhi .  This means Fearless Love in Sanskrit, the sacred language of India.  At first, I didn't see how my spiritual name related to my Jewish heritage, but as I looked into the meanings of my names and my destiny, I realized that, in the Jewish tradition, those converting to Judaism take the patriarch, Abraham, as their spiritual father and protector. Although I was given great respect as a convert, I was never given the traditional, new Hebrew name by the Rabbi. So receiving the name “Abhi,” which is the root of “Abraham,”  from an Indian spiritual master, was a hint.  I realized that Abhi was a great name to use for the Dance, as dance is an expression of spirituality that unites many traditions.

Today, as Abhi, I live and dance in Los Angeles, and as Irena,  I work in the fashion industry…but that is another story.

And the journey continues…read the articles, below, by following the links.

Editing by Kamala Allen

Artcle: "Oh, My Goddess!" Written my Judd Handler for San Diego Jewiush Journal
Dec, 2004

Click here to read the article.

Cover Story: Focus on Abhi-Irena Perakh. Written by Matiah for THE PAPYRUS
Sept, 2001

Click here to read the article.