Festival of Diversity: Jewish music brightens Hanukkah in Germany!

Festival of Diversity: Jewish music brightens Hanukkah in Germany!

In a special concert series, the Usedom Music Festival focuses on the diversity of Jewish music. From December 14th to November 22nd, the International Days of Jewish Music will offer a colorful program that invites you to celebrate and reflect at various locations in Germany. Under the motto “Hine ma tov – See how beautiful,” the festival promises to be a place for encounters and dialogue, says Thomas Hummel, the event’s director.

The start is on December 14th at the Villa Esplanade in Heringsdorf, where baritone Simon Wallfisch, grandson of an Auschwitz survivor, will perform together with pianist Daniel Seroussi. The International Days of Jewish Music are taking place for the eighth time and will be celebrated this year during the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah.

Event overview and variety of events

The concert series runs through several German cities, including Stavenhagen, Röbel, Berlin, Essen, Chemnitz and Hamburg. On December 15th, the concert “A swingin’ Hanukkah” will be celebrated in big band sound at the Fasanenstrasse Jewish Community Center in Berlin. The “Unleash The Light” event will follow on December 16th in the Alte Synagoge Essen, which presents Israeli jazz and world music. On December 17th, a musical and literary “Journey through Ashkenaz” is on the program at the Chemnitz power plant, while the Hanukkah concert “Light Sounds” will be celebrated on December 18th in the Liberal Synagogue Hamburg.

In addition, workshops for young people are planned in Stavenhagen and Röbel as part of the International Days. These workshops, which take place under the title “Arche Musica”, deal with the Jewish musical tradition from 1890 to 1945 and address the threats posed by the Holocaust. They are led by cantor Yoed Sorek and violinist Samuel Seifert. In addition, Nitsan Bernstein will perform with her band in the synagogue in Stavenhagen, while Sandra Kreisler and her ensemble will be heard in the Jewish community and cultural center “Shalom Europa” in Würzburg.

Hanukkah: A celebration of miracles and solidarity

The timing of the festival during Hanukkah is no coincidence. These celebrations are celebrated over eight evenings and commemorate the victory of a small group of resistance fighters. Hanukkah stands for strengthening a sense of togetherness and belief in miracles. Despite its joyful nature, this festival is not one of the most important Jewish holidays. It is usually celebrated with friends and family, where the Hanukkah lights are lit at nightfall and traditional songs are sung. Classic dishes include latkes, i.e. potato pancakes, and sufganiot, the popular doughnuts. You can find out more about Hanukkah on the website of the Jewish Museum Berlin, which highlights the meaning of this holiday.

It should be noted that the International Days of Jewish Music are not only a homage to Jewish culture, but also create a space for meetings and the exchange of ideas. Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life, underlines the importance of these events and their aim to celebrate the vibrant Jewish culture in places of Jewish life in Germany. Support comes not least from Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, who takes on the role of patron of this important series.

For those interested in getting an idea of ​​the diversity of Jewish music, this festival offers an ideal opportunity to gain deeper insights and discover the cultural treasures of the Jewish community. Be there and let the music carry you away!

For further information visit the website Northern Courier, Jewish general and des Jewish Museum Berlin.