Chassidic Music

By , March 25, 2011 10:20 am

Separated from other Ashkenazic Jews in 18th and 19th century Eastern Europe, the Chassids developed their own distinctive music traditions, which included chazzanuth, folk songs and nigunim.

Nigunim are unique musical expressions of Chassidic religious thought and grew out of the belief that the experience of exuberant joy was a religious duty.

Since it was felt that words interrupted the pure stream of emotion, most early nigunim were wordless. Instead they employed special syllables to carry the tune (like ‘bim bam’, or ‘yadi-da-di’). Often these syllables became distinctive signatures which allowed musicologists to specify the region that a particular nigun had come from.

The nigun has inspired secular Israeli music, klezmer and even Chassidic jazz. Please explore the world of Chassidic music with the Judaica Sound Archives at FAU Libraries.

Click here to listen to this special JSA collection of Chassidic music.

Click here to browse JSA’s online collection of Chassidic music.

Click here to listen to this special JSA collection of Chassidic music.

Why love Purim?

By , March 14, 2011 10:11 am

Children love Purim. And so do adults. It just might be the most fun holiday in the whole Jewish calendar!

Here are just some of the reasons why Purim is a holiday favorite.

The Story: Who doesn’t love a good story? The story of Queen Esther’s bravery has drama, plot twists, and the thrill of good winning over evil.

Costumes: What child (or even a grown-up) doesn’t enjoy dressing in costume? This Jewish version of a costume holiday (like Halloween or Mardi Gras) is filled with a variety of colorful characters.

Entertainment: Purim is the time for children and adults to put on plays, talent shows and parades celebrating the story of Queen Esther.

Noise: Children love to make noise. Usually this gets them in trouble. But… on Purim children are encouraged to make as much noise as they can whenever they hear Haman’s name.

Food: Most Jewish holidays are celebrated with special foods and Purim is no exception. Hamantashen, everyone’s favorite Purim cookie, is a delicious way to remember the downfall of Haman.

Music: The songs of Purim often teach children about the holiday. tell the story of Purim, and give thanks.

Click on the albums and songs listed below to hear some of your favorite Purim music.

Purim Festival in Town Hall by Sidor Belarsky

Purim Party by Shimon & ilana Gewirtz

Songs for Tu Bishvat and Purim by Cantor William Wolfe

Akh Ze haYom Kiviti – Fate Onore Del Bel Purim Wal Viva Nostro Burino – Alabemos by Ramon Tasat

Ani Purim by Cantor Benjamin Maissner

Ani Purim by Judy Caplan Ginsberg

Chag Purim by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray

Haynt Iz Purim by Marsha Benya

Lo Kol Yom Purim by Fran Avni

Purim by Ohel Moshe Children’s Chorus

Purim Lid by Marsha Benya

Purim By Der Seeda by Kandel’s Klezmer Orchestra

Purim iz der bester Yom Tov by Pesach Burstein

Purim Lied by Werdyger Children’s Chorus

The Purim Parade by Safam

A Gut Yontev Yidn by Lori Cahan-Simon

Wecome Purim Fun by Seymour Silbermintz

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