First Thursdays: Alternative Musical Settings of Kol Nidre

Alternative Musical Settings of Kol Nidre
Presented by Ira S. Miller, Ph.D.
Thursday, September 7, 7:30 pm – Hybrid!

The Ashkenazic melody for Kol Nidre is considered one of the most iconic examples of Jewish ritual melody, recognizable by Jew and non-Jew alike. In fact, singers like Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, and Danny Thomas have made popular recordings of Kol Nidre. Composers have created settings for choirs, stringed instruments, woodwind instruments, and even flamenco guitar or the sitar. Kol Nidre has been featured in films, and the basic Kol Nidre melody has inspired music out of Tin Pan Alley. Jews, both religious and non-religious, are drawn to the synagogue each year, on the eve before Yom Kippur, just to hear Kol Nidre’s haunting melody. For our September First Thursday program, Ira Miller will speak about the history of this controversial prayer and its haunting melody, following up with musical examples of how Kol Nidre has become part of American culture.

No cost for congregants.
Non-member, In-person: $15 per person
Non-member, Zoom: $15 per device

Registration is required.