Jewish Music & Dance
Music and dance have been an essential part of Jewish culture since its origins as described in the Torah and other books of the Hebrew Bible. Jewish music and dance has also been heavily influenced by the cultures in which Jews have lived for the past 2,000 years.
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Music in the Hebrew Bible
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Descriptions of music and musical instruments abound in the Hebrew Bible, from Miriam's timbrel (Exodus 15:20) to David's lyre (I Samuel 16:23). Even today, the Torah is traditionally chanted in synagogue with a form of musical notation known as "trop."
Dance in the Hebrew Bible
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Dance is also featured heavily in the Hebrew scriptures. King David, for example, is described as "dancing with all his might" (II Samuel 6:14), and dance is heavily associated with great happiness and celebration (Jeremiah 31:4).
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Jewish Music in the Diaspora
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The Jewish population of Israel was exiled twice in antiquity, and the second exile by the Romans resulted in a world-wide diaspora or scattering of Jews that lasted until the 20th century. During this time, Jewish music was heavily influenced by surrounding culture. Music produced by Yemenite Jews is radically different from the music produced by German Jews. One example of Jewish "fusion" music that enjoys some popularity today is known as "klezmer" (from the Hebrew klei-zemer, or "instruments of song"), which was developed in Eastern Europe in the 19th century.
Traditional Styles of Jewish Dance
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Little is known about the specifics of Jewish dance in antiquity, although it seems that men and women generally danced separately (Exodus 15:20), probably holding hands in a circle (I Samuel 10:10, where Saul meets a "rope" of prophets). This is reflected in a popular Jewish folk dance called the "hora."
Contemporary Jewish Music and Dance
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Several styles of contemporary Jewish music and dance flourish in the 21st century, from liturgical cantorial music to modern dance in Israel; from wordless Hasidic "nigunim" to Israel's Inbal dance company.
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References
- Photo Credit sefer torah image by SADIA from Fotolia.com
