Limmud Bay Area 2016

Hanna Yaffe presents world lullabies, touching upon their historical, emotional and psychological backgrounds. Hear the songs that highlight that contrast between the innocence and sweetness of babies, and the horrors of war. Hanna has released a poignant CD, 'Birth in a Time of Bloodshed,' a compilation of traditional lullabies written in times of war and exile. Hear the songs that women sing their children in time of distress. Though the melodies are calming, the lyrics give maternal expression to love, fear, hope and despair. Says Yaffe, "I want to emphasize our shared humanity. The level of racism and intolerance prevalent in Israel/Palestine, today, horrifies me. It is my fervent wish that these lullabies will engender empathy and respect towards 'the other' and lead to an enhanced empathy and understanding of the effects of war on women and children."

Learn Shabbat songs in 2,3 and 4 part harmony. Sing together at one of the Limmud Shabbat services and be part of the Saturday night entertainment. The music is gratifying to the most experienced of singers, yet accessible to the beginning volunteer.

From singer/songwriters and Afro-beat big bands to Ladino and Yiddish singers in numerous styles, Jewish music is as fresh, deep and exciting as any American musical genre. Join radio host Andy Muchin to sample the best new Jewish tunes and learn about the artists who are creating the American Jewish hit parade.

Saying that food is central to Jewish culture is like saying that the Pacific Ocean is a little damp. With Yiddish cabaret singer Laura Rosenberg, explore how generations of Jews have used songs about food to settle domestic disputes, motivate children to learn, express their nostalgia for the Old Country, and maybe even teach everyone how to get along. No prior Yiddish or musical knowledge necessary!

Most of us have heard the European Jewish celebratory music that is now called klezmer. And some of us have heard music masquerading as klezmer. This session will explain the key characteristics of this Jewish roots music, featuring important klezmer recordings from the past 111 years and informative anecdotes about crucial klezmer musicians and bands. (Dancing is welcome and perhaps inevitable, but please not during the anecdotes.)