Joyce Ellen Weinstein

Klezmer in Tzfat

Photograph,

9" x 12", 2018

Klezmer in Tzfat: The Bible has several descriptions of orchestras making music, but after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, many Rabbis discouraged music making. However, its importance did not diminish. Later, Klezmorim (musicians) based much of their secular instrumental music upon the devotional vocal music of the synagogue. Even so, klezmorim—along with other entertainers—were typically looked down on by Rabbis because of their secular traveling lifestyle. Nevertheless Klezmer music has survived and proliferated. This photo, Klezmer Danciing in Tzfat illustrates this point to the extreme. The freedom of expression taken to its most extreme in this wild frenetic music and dance can be a kind of fanaticism.