10261 Musical Heritage of Jewish Communities

Credits: 6 intermediate credits in Music or in Sociology and Anthropology or in Modern History of the Jewish People

Prerequisites: none

Recommended: Introduction to Music or corresponding knowledge of music.

Authors: Amnon Shiloah, Yehuda Kadari, Avraham Amzaleg, Philip Bolman

The course presents the musical heritage of various Jewish communities (Ashkenazi, Sephardi and other traditions) in its social, religious and historical contexts. It deals with the issue of Jewish identity of musical traditions; relations with host countries; social and cultural changes reflected in the musical life of the communities; the impact of the encounter with different cultures – from East and West – in modern Israel; common features in Jewish musical traditions; and influences of non-Jewish music. The series “A People and its Music” on video, which presents authentic photographs of musical activity in various Jewish communities throughout the world, is an integral part of the course.

Topics: Jewish music, sources and origins; Ethno-musicological theories and practices; The influence of the Kabbala (Jewish mysticism) on the development of oriental music; Synagogal chant; Biblical cantillation (teamim), liturgical music, prayers and hymns (piyyutim), musical instruments.