Feature articles

Shabbat songs

The Shabbat, the day of rest, is a very important event of Jewish life. And the songs that rhythm this particular day hold a major place, at the synagogue as …

Thoughts about the sung Torah

Jean-Philippe Amar studies in the University of Paris IV Sorbonne and prepares a PhD on the cantilation of the Thora the Jewish communities of Paris. The reading of the Torah, …

The Selichot – סליחות

The Selichot are penitential prayers in which the worshipper implores forgiveness to God for the sins committed. This tradition is based on the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy which have been, …

The attitude of rabbis toward music

There are many testimonies concerning the attitude of rabbis toward music, scattered in the talmudic, midrashic and rabbinic literature.A careful attitude, and sometimes a radical opposition to any musical event, …

Jewish music in France

This article which is written after Hervé Roten's research presents the Jewish musical practices in France …

Chasidism and music

Chasidism, the mystic Jewish movement born in Eastern Europe in the middle of the 18th century, enabled the emergence of a lot of music aimed to transcend the impurities of this world …

Jerusalem of gold, a song by Naomi Shemer

Jerusalem of gold (in Hebrew : ירושלים של זהב – Yerushalayim shel zahav) is the name of a popular Israeli song written by Naomi Shemer in 1967. It was first …

Three Passover songs: Adir hu, Echad mi yodea and Chad gadya

Learn everything about the three songs that end the Passover seder : Adir hu, Echad mi yodea and Chad gadya

Passover

Passover (Pessah) - פֶּסַח - is one of the three pilgrimage festivals of the Jewish calendar (with Shavuot and Sukkot), in which we commemorate the Hebrews who got out of Egypt. …

Emile Jonas (1827-1905), from the Portuguese Synagogue to the Operetta, and from there to the Imperial Guard

Born into a Jewish family in Paris on March 5, 1827, Emile Jonas left his mark on his era, composing works for both synagogue and opera …

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Raphael Elfassy collection

In 2022 and then 2024, Christine Dangremont and Josiane Sberro donated to the IEMJ the archive of Raphael Elfassy (1939-2019),…

Adolphe Attia Collection

In July 2023, Adolphe Attia donated to the IEMJ a set of photos, programs and concert posters retracing his career…