Moroccan Jewish Piyutim Tradition Revived on Israeli Stages
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
The ancient Moroccan Jewish tradition of "Shirat Ha'bakashot," involving communal singing of piyutim and prayers, has been revived with a new season of concerts across Israel. The 2026 season opened in Ashdod and will continue through the winter, featuring both veteran and young performers. This revival aims to preserve the spiritual and musical heritage, connecting generations through song.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Shirat Ha'bakashot" tradition of Moroccan Jewish liturgical music has been revived with a new concert season in Israel.
- The 2026 season opened in Ashdod and will feature performances nationwide throughout the winter.
- The tradition blends ancient piyutim with Andalusian music, focusing on themes of faith and longing.
- Younger generations are increasingly participating, ensuring the continuation of the heritage.
- Rabbi Mordechai Azran highlighted the tradition's importance as the "beating heart" of Moroccan Jewish heritage.
The ancient tradition of "Shirat Ha'bakashot" (Songs of Supplication), a form of liturgical poetry and music practiced by Moroccan Jews, has been revived and is being presented on stages across Israel. This tradition, which predates modern concert halls, involved communities gathering before dawn on winter Sabbaths to sing ancient piyutim, prayers, and supplications. Passed down through generations for centuries, it became a significant part of North African Jewish culture and continues to thrive in Israel.
Shirat Ha'bakashot blends old piyutim with melodies from Andalusian music, focusing on themes of faith, longing, redemption, and yearning for Jerusalem. While new melodies and poems have been added over time, the communal aspect of gathering for the singing has been preserved. The tradition is now being brought to wider audiences through organized concerts.
The 2026 season of Shirat Ha'bakashot opened this week in Ashdod with a concert at the Monart Center for Arts. The event featured piyut singers Menor Ben David, Shlomi Lugasi, Yaakov Ben Adiba, Yonatan Huta, and Raz Elbaz, accompanied by musicians under the musical direction of Elad Levi. This season, initiated by the Center for Piyut and Shirah in Ashdod, will run through the winter months with gatherings in various locations nationwide, culminating on Shabbat Zachor.
A final celebratory concert will take place at the Ashdod Performing Arts Center, featuring singers Moshe Louk, Benjamin Bouzaglo, Mani Cohen, and Gabriel Ohayon, along with an ensemble of musicians. The tradition is also actively engaging younger generations, with many young people joining to learn the music and piyutim their predecessors grew up with.
"Shirat Ha'bakashot is much more than an ancient musical tradition. It is the beating heart of the heritage of Moroccan Jewry, a rare spiritual and musical treasure connecting piyut, faith, and song," said Rabbi Mordechai Azran, the artistic director of the season. He added, "There is nothing more moving than seeing young people join the veteran piyut singers and knowing that the chain of generations continues."
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