Sjelen i kroppen: Sang og musikk i jødisk tradisjon

Abstract

Song is an inseparable part of Jewish prayer and other religious rituals. The earliest written sources describe how musically accompanied rituals are pleasing to God, and commentators from all periods of Jewish history emphasize the role of song in beautifying and intensifying prayer and religious devotion. Metaphorically speaking, the religious texts and rituals comprise the body of Judaism, while the melodies are likened to its soul. Outside of the synagogue, song and music accompany virtually all ritual celebrations and festivities. Non-religious Jews often cite music as a major and highly emotional expression of their Jewish identity. Different communities have different melodic traditions, with a common origin in the ancient Middle East. Mode scales are the basis for liturgical chanting and religious songs. However, local non-Jewish melodies have influenced the music of the synagogue, particularly in Ashkenazi communities. During the Jewish religious reform efforts of the 19th century, changes in synagogue music were a main vehicle for theological change and community coherence, affording Jewish music political power in addition to remaining an inherent part of individual and collective religious experiences.