Lyla Dejesus
Music is an integral part of Jewish weddings, with traditional Jewish music typically being played during the wedding ceremony and sometimes at the reception. The processional is one of the most important times for traditional Jewish wedding music, with two pieces of music accompanying the arrival of the rabbi, family elders, groom, groom's parents, bridesmaids, and finally, the bride. While DJs are becoming a more popular option for receptions, bands are still preferred, and they are usually Jewish themselves and familiar with Jewish customs. A Klezmer band is a popular choice for traditionalists, with Klezmer music played by Ashkenazi Jews and featuring instruments such as the clarinet, violin, bass, cello, drum, accordion, and hammered dulcimers. Other instruments associated with Jewish music include the oud, harp, lyre, fiddle, and accordion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popular songs | Erev Shel Shoshanim, Dodi Li, Siman Tov U Mazal Tov, Khassen Kaleh Mazal Tov |
| Instruments | Violin, Bass, Cello, Clarinet, Drum, Accordion, Hammered Dulcimer, Flute, Trumpet, Guitar, Keyboard |
| Popular performers/bands | Marcos Askenazi, Avram Pengas, Benny Amar, Yaakov Kranz, Rak Simcha Orchestra, Srully Williger & Orchestra, Pey Dalid Simcha Band, Eitan Katz Orchestra, BaRock Orchestra, ASEFA |
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What You'll Learn
Klezmer bands
A popular klezmer tune is (Khassen Kaleh) Mazal Tov, which translates to 'good luck to the happy couple'. This is a common choice for the recessional song at many Ashkenazi Jewish weddings.
There are many Klezmer bands to choose from when planning a Jewish wedding. ASEFA is a collective of musicians who perform in a range of styles, including Klezmer, and they have over 10 years of experience playing at weddings. The Rak Simcha Orchestra is another option, known for their fusion of dynamic fresh talent and seasoned professionals. The Pey Dalid Simcha Band is also an option, as they play a wide variety of music, from traditional Jewish wedding songs to well-known secular songs.
When choosing a Klezmer band, it is important to consider the size of the band and the types of instruments included, as this can impact the overall sound and atmosphere of the wedding. Couples may also want to consider incorporating other types of music into their wedding, such as contemporary songs that are meaningful to them, in addition to traditional Klezmer tunes.
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Choral songs
For couples who prefer a more modern approach, "Jerusalem of Gold" is a popular Israeli song that celebrates Israel and is often heard during the processional or as an interlude. Additionally, "Dodi Li" is a romantic and evocative song that translates to "My Beloved is Mine", making it an ideal choice for the walk down the aisle to the chuppah.
Some couples also include a circling ceremony in their Jewish wedding, for which the song "Erev Shel Shoshanim" ("Evening of Roses") is often chosen. This Israeli folk song is a classic at Jewish weddings and is considered synonymous with love and marriage.
Ultimately, the choice of choral songs for a Jewish wedding is a personal one, and couples are encouraged to select music that best reflects their love and connection.
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Secular songs
The amount of secular music played at a Jewish wedding depends on how orthodox the families are. Klezmer music, a type of secular celebratory music played by Ashkenazi Jews, is especially popular for weddings. Klezmer music is supposed to represent the human voice, and a violin is used to make crying, laughing, and wailing sounds. Accompanying music is usually performed by a bass or cello, a clarinet, a drum, an accordion, and hammered dulcimers.
Some couples choose to play a mix of secular and traditional Jewish music at their weddings. For example, "Sunrise, Sunset" from the musical Fiddler on the Roof is often heard at Jewish celebrations, but it is not classified as traditional Jewish music. Couples may also choose to play secular songs with a guitar trio, such as a folksy version of the Jewish wedding song Ozi V'Zimrat Yah.
In the past, Jewish weddings would have featured accordions and clarinets, but today they tend to feature modern, electric instruments. Some couples choose to hire a DJ, while others opt for a live band. Bands are usually familiar with Jewish customs and may be Jewish themselves.
Secular weddings often feature timeless classics such as Motown hits.
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String quartets
Music is an integral part of Jewish weddings, with traditional Jewish music often playing a key role in the processional. The processional typically includes two pieces of music: the first accompanying the arrival of the rabbi, family elders, the groom, and bridesmaids, and the second marking the bride's entrance.
Sheet Music Plus also provides a range of scores for string quartets suitable for Jewish weddings. These include compositions by Saul Chaplin, Al Jolson, and Samuel Ward, as well as arrangements by Gary Lanier, Harry Haden-Brown, and Tom Strauch. Some of these pieces are classified as folk, Hanukkah, Jewish, multicultural, pop, sacred, standards, traditional, and wedding music.
When selecting music for a Jewish wedding, it is important to consider the couple's preferences and the level of orthodoxy. While some couples may prefer traditional Jewish music, others may opt for a mix of secular and contemporary songs. Additionally, the specific moments in the ceremony, such as the bride's entrance or the smashing of the glass, may influence the choice of music to create a meaningful and joyous atmosphere.
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Traditional instruments: tambourines, harps, lyres, trumpets, and the shofar
Music is a crucial part of any Jewish wedding, and the type of music played depends on how traditional or orthodox the couple is. While DJs are becoming a more popular option for wedding receptions, bands are still the preferred choice for traditional Jewish weddings. These bands are usually Jewish themselves and are familiar with Jewish customs.
True traditionalists may choose to hire a Klezmer band for their wedding. 'Klezmer' means 'musician' in Yiddish, and the music played is a type of secular celebratory music played by Ashkenazi Jews, often at weddings. Klezmer music is meant to represent the human voice, and a violin is used to make crying, laughing, and wailing sounds. Accompanying music is usually performed by a bass or cello, a clarinet, a drum, an accordion, and hammered dulcimers.
Other traditional instruments used at Jewish weddings include tambourines, harps, lyres, trumpets, and the shofar. The Book of Psalms lists a variety of instruments that can be used in praise of God. One psalm encourages worshippers to “praise Him with the sound of the shofar!” (Psalms 150:1-4). Another states that it is “good to praise the Lord” with a “ten-stringed harp, with voice and lyre together.” (Psalms 92:1-4). Additionally, the Book of Exodus mentions that "Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines, dancing." (Exodus 15:20).
While there is debate among halakhic authorities about the scope of the prohibition of music in settings of excessive frivolity, most Orthodox communities do not use instrumental music on Shabbat or Yom Tov. However, many use vocal music as a means of enhancing worship.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no specific instruments that are required for a Jewish wedding, there are several instruments that are commonly used or strongly associated with Jewish music. These include the clarinet, violin, bass or cello, drum, accordion, and hammered dulcimer. Klezmer music, a type of secular celebratory music played by Ashkenazi Jews, often features these instruments.
Klezmer music is played by Ashkenazi Jews and is meant to represent the human voice. It often includes a violin playing crying, laughing, and wailing sounds, accompanied by a bass or cello, clarinet, drum, accordion, and hammered dulcimer.
Yes, throughout history, various drums, lyres, harps, tambourines, trumpets, pipes, and cymbals have been used in Jewish temple orchestras.
Traditional songs such as Siman Tov and Dodi Li are often played during the processional and recessional. Other popular choices include Erev Shel Shoshanim, an Israeli folk song, and Baruch Chaba, a choral song often used for the bride's entrance.
Yes, dancing is a significant part of Jewish weddings, with guests dancing in front of the newly married couple to entertain them. Traditional dances include the Krenzl, Mizinke, Horah, and Mitzvah tantz.
