Purim, one of the most joyous and festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the survival of the Jewish people as told in the Book of Esther. Marked by lively celebrations, costumes, and the reading of the Megillah, Purim is also deeply connected to music and performance. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we are fortunate to have a collection of rare and historic recordings that capture the spirit of this holiday.

Discover Our Purim Collection

From traditional Purim songs to theatrical performances, our collection includes recordings that bring the holiday’s energy to life. These recordings, available in full for listening, offer a window into the rich cultural and musical traditions associated with Purim. Read More About This…

Ma Nishtana (מה נשתנה‎) is also known as The Four Questions.

Recited by the youngest child at the table it evokes our own childhood experience and the pride we felt participating in the family seder.

Sung by Fran Avni’s Singing Children’s Chorus Read More About This…

Coming from a long line of distinguished cantors it probably should be no surprise that Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray has devoted her life to the cantorial arts. Her understanding of the special challenges for female cantors, along with a desire to encourage others, resulted in her organizing the Women Cantors’ Network in 1982. At that time there was a great need for mutual support as female cantors generally faced exclusion from the cantorial community. Although women cantors, today, are accepted into all liberal cantorial schools and organizations the WCN continues to offer encouragement and support for women who want to participate in cantorial music.

Today Cantor Katchko-Gray carries on her family’s tradition at Temple Shearith Israel in Ridgefield, CT, where she has been cantor since 1999. Incredibly multi-talented Cantor Katchko-Gray has a repertoire that ranges from traditional liturgical solemnity to light-hearted songs for children and comedy. Read More About This…