Stu Brotman, in collaboration with Veretski Pass received a grant from the Creative Work Fund in San Francisco to create a Jewish service inspired by the klezmer shuls (synagogues) of pre-war Eastern Europe. In Stu’s words... “Religious services in Judaism (and most other religions) include both words and music. Music makes worship services more memorable and elevates their emotional power.

Composers of religious music have traditionally used melodic formulas and modes to amplify the text. Another common device in vocal and instrumental composition is the use of human emotional intonations, e.g., cries of anguish or exultation, sighs, and laughter. However, the language of worship has separated Jews of different denominations, and secular from religious Jews. Those unable to assent to others’ words (or to any explicitly religious words) often refuse to participate in others’ worship services. However, many people have experienced of the power of music to overcome differences. The compositions we propose to develop would be religious in some sense, yet not text-based. We are interested in the possibility that music devoid of language can be a unifying force in a world divided by doctrine.

We have created a new body of Jewish religious music that we hope has emotional power comparable to that of traditional synagogue singing. Our intention was that it be of interest to Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and Renewal congregations, and that it also appeal to secular Jews (and to non-Jews).

Our interest in creating a non-text service has come from more than twenty years of teaching Jewish music in North America and Europe. Traditional Eastern European Jewish instrumental music, known as klezmer music, attracts adherents because of the quality of the music. While many enthusiasts have a religious relationship to the music, secular Jews see it as part of their cultural identity and others appreciate it purely as music.”

Our work on this grant is complete. We performed this piece in the East Bay in California in February. See the schedule for more information and to download the fliers and press release for the CA premieres, or email us  by clicking below.

Klezmer Shul Info