The Chai Folk Arts Council is the governing body of the Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble - widely acclaimed as North America's largest and oldest Israeli folk dance group. Founded in 1964 by the late Sarah Sommer, Chai has built an international reputation for the unique blend of world music, dance and song that gives it its name...Hebrew for "alive". A truly all-encompassing Jewish cultural experience, Chai is made up of 40 dancers, singers and musicians. Chai's repertoire includes music and dance from virtually every corner of the world where Jewish culture has existed, including Israel, Morocco, Spain, Greece, Russia, Poland, Brazil and Africa. From traditional horas to the mysterious harmonies and rhythms of the Orient, from lively Klezmer standards to the latest Israeli hits, Chai brings to life the best of Jewish culture in every performance. Chai has released 5 albums, the most recent "Wanderings" in 2010. Chai has appeared several times on stage with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is the mainstage entertainment at Folklorama Israel Pavilion every summer. Chai has traveled and performed extensively throughout Canada and the United States and in Mexico and Israel.