Overview
Today in Brooklyn, where disparate Jewish groups from the Middle East are engaging one another in an unprecedented way, the piyyut – the Hebrew term for a sacred poem – serves as an expression of a specific type of Jewish identity. Spanning five centuries since the expulsion from Spain in 1492, these piyyutim express unique conceptions of the relationship between humanity and the Divine and serve as the backbone of the quasi-classical musical traditions of different Sephardic immigrant groups who now call New York home.
Following an introductory discussion, Thomas, accompanied by his ensemble Asefa and other traditional musicians, will present a lively musical performance of Sephardic piyyutim. Intertwining musical performance with discussion, Syrian Rabbi Joseph Dweck and Moroccan Rabbi Gad Bouskila will illuminate how the intersection of Kabbalistic and Sufist thought in Sephardic cultural history inspired piyyutim.
Panelists:
Samuel R. Thomas
Rabbi Gad Bouskila
Rabbi Joseph Dweck
Musicians:
Victor Esses, oud
Rachid Halihal, violin
Jacob Tordjman, vocals
Toby Levi, vocals
Yossi Marciano, vocals
David Buchbut, percussion
Elie Massias, vocals
Noah Jarrett, bass and guimbri
Eric Platz, drumset and doumbek
Rich Stein, percussion