Franklin Dean
Hava Nagila is a traditional Jewish folk song that is commonly played at weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other Jewish holidays. The song, which translates to Let us rejoice in Hebrew, was composed in 1918 and has become a staple at Jewish celebrations. The song has been covered by many artists, including Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and The Barry Sisters, each putting their unique twist on the traditional tune. When planning a wedding, couples may choose from a variety of versions, ranging from techno to American jazz, to find one that suits their taste and wedding theme. The song is often played during the Hora, a traditional dance at Jewish weddings, where guests are lifted on chairs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of song | Folk song |
| Language | Hebrew |
| Genre | Jewish |
| Year composed | 1918 |
| Composer | Competing claims between Idelsohn and Nathanson |
| Other notable performers | Harry Belafonte, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Evgeni Plushenko, The Barry Sisters, Raphael, Nissim Black, Bruno Blum, Glen Campbell, Four Jacks and a Jill, Jon Lord, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Dream Theater, The E Street Band, Pete Townshend |
| Occasions played | Weddings, Bar and bat mitzvahs, Jewish holidays, sporting events, concerts, private parties, bars |
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What You'll Learn
History of Hava Nagila
"Hava Nagila" is a Jewish folk song that has become a staple at Jewish weddings and b'nai mitzvah celebrations. The song's origins, however, lie not in nuptial bliss, but in the Zionist movement of the early 20th century.
The melody of "Hava Nagila" is derived from a Hassidic Nigun, a wordless melody sung by the Sadigorer Hasidim, a religious community that originated in present-day Ukraine. In 1905, Avraham Zvi Idelsohn, a Jewish musician and musicologist, settled in Jerusalem, where he began collecting and recording traditional Jewish melodies. He also composed new Hebrew-language songs based on these ancient tunes, with the aim of creating a modern national music that would unify the Jewish people as they returned to their historic homeland in Palestine.
One of these new compositions was "Hava Nagila," which Idelsohn arranged in 1915 while serving as a bandmaster in the Ottoman Army during World War I. The song was first performed in Jerusalem in 1918, at a public celebration marking either the Balfour Declaration, General Allenby's assumption of control of Jerusalem and Palestine, or the laying of the cornerstone of the Hebrew University. The biblical lyrics, echoing Psalms 118:24, reflect the sense of a momentous occasion: "Come, let us rejoice, let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be happy."
The song quickly spread beyond Jerusalem, gaining popularity in the Jewish communities of pre-state Israel, Europe, and North America. By the 1940s, "Hava Nagila" had become a staple of Jewish weddings, bar mitzvahs, and youth groups, where it was often danced to as an Israeli-style hora folk dance. The song's upbeat and joyous melody made it a perfect fit for celebratory occasions.
In the 1950s, "Hava Nagila" began to attract the attention of non-Jewish performers in the United States, with singers like Harry Belafonte incorporating it into their repertoires. Today, the song continues to be a beloved fixture of Jewish weddings and has also found new life in sporting events, private parties, and bars.
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Versions of Hava Nagila
"Hava Nagila" is a Hebrew song that has become a universal symbol of Jewish song and celebration. It is a perennial favourite at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and Jewish and non-Jewish cultural events around the world. The song has spawned an award-winning documentary, an Israeli court battle, and a generations-long rift between two Jewish families.
The origins of "Hava Nagila" can be traced back to the early 20th century in Palestine, where it was first introduced at a public celebration in Jerusalem sometime in 1918. The precise venue of the first performance is unclear, but it appears to have been presented to mark a Zionist political gain such as the Balfour Declaration, General Allenby's assumption of control of Jerusalem, or the laying of the cornerstone of the Hebrew University. The song's opening lines, "Hava nagila, hava nagila/ Hava nagila ve-nismeha" ("Come, let us rejoice, let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be happy"), echo the biblical verse from Psalms 118:24.
There are competing claims regarding the composer of "Hava Nagila", with both Abraham Zevi Idelsohn and his student Moshe Nathanson being suggested. Idelsohn, a professor at Hebrew University, began cataloging all known Jewish music and teaching classes in musical composition. He presented his class with a slow, melodious 19th-century chant (niggun or nigun) and assigned Nathanson to add rhythm and words to create a modern Hebrew song. The niggun has been attributed to the Sadigurer Chasidim, who lived in what is now Ukraine.
Over the years, "Hava Nagila" has been recorded and performed by numerous musicians, both Jewish and non-Jewish. Some notable versions include:
- Harry Belafonte, who included the song in his album "Belafonte at Carnegie Hall", recorded in 1959. Belafonte rarely gave a concert without singing it and considered it one of the "stand-out" songs of his career.
- Dick Dale, the "Californian king of the surf guitar", who scored a popular hit with his 1963 version.
- The Barry Sisters, who recorded the song on their "Greatest Yiddish Hits" album, released on October 16, 1965.
- Dream Theater, who performed a cover of the song in Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 16, 2009.
- Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, who recorded two versions of the song: one live for the album "Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah", and another to the tune of "Feliz Navidad".
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Other Jewish wedding songs
Jewish wedding songs are a meaningful way to honour faith and tradition during your celebration. From melodies taken from Biblical text to modern tunes, there are many great options available.
One popular choice is "Dodi Li", which translates to "My Beloved is Mine". Inspired by the Biblical book Song of Songs in the Old Testament, it is a romantic and rich imagery-evoking song, perfect for a processional. Another popular choice is the Israeli folk song "Erev Shel Shoshanim" or "Evening of Roses", which has become so synonymous with love and marriage that it is often considered a Jewish version of "Here Comes the Bride".
"Siman Tov" is a traditional folk song and the quintessential recessional song for many Ashkenazi Jewish weddings. "Siman" means "sign", and "tov" means "good", so the song wishes good luck to the couple. "Khassen Kaleh" or "Mazal Tov" is another popular Yiddish song with a fun klezmer tune.
"Yedid Nefesh", meaning "lover of my soul", is a calming melody taken from a traditional Jewish poem sung during Shabbat. It is often played as a prelude to greet guests as they arrive. "Ozi V'Zimrat Yah" is another beautiful song that can be played as a prayer or performed as a folksy tune by a guitar trio.
Other popular choices include the lively and fun "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" or "We Brought You Peace", and "Od Yishama" or "It Will Be Heard", which symbolises the collective unity that comes with the sacred bond of marriage.
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Choosing a band or DJ
When it comes to choosing between a band and a DJ for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to decide if you want a live performance or a recorded one. If you're set on having "Hava Nagila" played at your wedding, keep in mind that it is traditionally performed by a band, but a DJ can also play a recorded version.
Opting for a band can offer a more dynamic and interactive experience for you and your guests. Live music creates a unique atmosphere and can be tailored to your preferences, with bands often taking requests and creating medleys on the spot. This can be especially beneficial if you want to incorporate multiple songs into the horah, such as a mix of traditional and modern tracks to cater to a diverse range of guests.
On the other hand, hiring a DJ can provide more flexibility in terms of song choices and create a seamless flow between songs. DJs can easily transition between different genres and tempos, building energy on the dance floor. They can also take requests and create custom mixes, ensuring that your favourite version of "Hava Nagila" is played.
When making your decision, consider the size and layout of your venue. Bands typically require more space and may have more equipment and setup needs. DJs, on the other hand, often have more compact setups, making them a good choice for smaller venues. Additionally, consider your budget. Both bands and DJs can vary significantly in price, so be sure to get quotes from multiple options before making a decision.
Ultimately, the choice between a band and a DJ depends on your personal preferences and the vibe you want to create at your wedding. If you're looking for a more traditional and interactive experience, a band may be the way to go. However, if you want more flexibility in song choices and a seamless mix of music, a DJ might be the better option.
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The hora dance
The hora sees guests dancing in circles around the newlyweds, who are eventually hoisted up into the air on chairs. The dance can also include pairs of guests linking arms and spinning in a circle, and smaller groups of men dancing in circles or lines with their arms around each other's shoulders. The hora is usually accompanied by music, with the song "Hava Nagila" being a popular choice. However, there are many other songs that can be used for the hora, and DJs or bands can be hired to perform a medley of songs for the dance.
The hora is typically introduced by an emcee, who may ask the couple to stand in the middle of the dance floor, with guests forming circles around them and holding hands. To keep the energy high, it is recommended to appoint a "Hora Hyper" to help lead the circles and encourage guests to join in. The emcee or "Hora Hyper" may also call out instructions, such as "circle to the left" or "everyone to the middle".
The hora is a lively and fun tradition that brings guests together on the dance floor. It is a chance for guests to revel in the joy of the newlyweds and celebrate as a community.
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Frequently asked questions
"Hava Nagila" is a Jewish folk song, which is traditionally sung at celebrations such as weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other Jewish holidays. The song's name means "Let us rejoice" in Hebrew.
No, it is not necessary to play Hava Nagila at a Jewish wedding. There are several other songs that are played at Jewish weddings, and you can choose a song that fits the theme of your wedding.
There are many popular versions of Hava Nagila. Some well-known artists who have performed the song include Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Belafonte, and The Barry Sisters.
You can find different versions of Hava Nagila on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
