Rita

(1962- )

Rita is occasionally known by her married name of Kleinstein, but rarely by her maiden Persian name, Yahan Farouz. Born in Iran, she immigrated with her family to Israel as a young child. She studied singing and acting and was perceived as someone with significant talent and potential. She released her first album in 1986 and almost instantly achieved great fame in the world of Israeli popular music. She has represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, has performed extensively abroad, and has gained international acclaim.

In addition to music, Rita has starred in leading theatrical productions, among them Habimah's staging of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof . She is married to Israeli songwriter Rami Kleinstein.

Source: The Pedagogic Center, The Department for Jewish Zionist Education, The Jewish Agency for Israel, (c) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, Director: Dr. Motti Friedman, Webmaster: Esther Carciente