Explore Jewish Musical Traditions Within the Arabic Cultural Landscape

This interdisciplinary course examines how three major Jewish communities—Babylon, Aleppo, and Jerusalem—developed distinctive musical practices through centuries of cultural encounters, creativity, and devotion within the broader Arabic musical world over 2,500 years.

What Makes This Course Unique:

● Learn traditional oral teaching methods with master practitioners

● Engage with leading scholars and cultural experts

● Practice authentic piyyutim (liturgical poetry) from each tradition

● Explore interactive historical timelines spanning millennia

● Understand Arabic music theory through Jewish cultural perspectives

Course Journey:

● Begin with an overview of the Jews in the Middle East

● Explore the role of music in Jewish life

● Master foundational Arabic music concepts: maqam theory, microtonality, rhythmic modes

● Trace Babylonian Jewish musical development from ancient exile to modern Iraq

● Discover Aleppo's mystical Baqashot winter ceremonies and their Sephardic influences

● Examine Jerusalem's evolving Sephardic-Jerusalemite tradition as a living practice

● Apply comparative analysis using universal theoretical frameworks

Learning Approach: Combining historical research, ethnographic methods, and performance practice, you'll experience music as a bridge between faith, identity, and intercultural creativity. Through expert interviews, panel discussions, and hands-on learning, discover how these traditions survived exile, migration, and modernization while continuing to inspire musicians today.

No Prerequisites Required: Whether you're a music student, educator, cultural enthusiast, or curious learner, this course welcomes all backgrounds. Basic Western musical literacy helpful but not essential.

Join Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance scholars on this journey connecting musical heritage across cultures, centuries, and communities.