By Adina Samuels
Before Shabbat began during our Jerusalem Shabbaton, we came together to hear a pre-Shabbat concert with Hadas Pal Yarden. She introduced herself as a paytanit, and went on to explain what piyuttim are: Jewish liturgical poetry written by Jews worldwide. Piyuttim act as a way of connecting spiritually to Judaism and are often sung or recited in religious services.
Hadas told us about her story of becoming a paytanit. She, an Israeli-Ladino, has used music to express herself and the Jewish history she represents. She told us of the time she spent learning in Turkey to perfect her skills and advance her career as a paytanit. Not only is she a paytanit, but also acts as a chazanit at Tzion, a "halachik, egalitarian" congregation in Jerusalem.
She, along with two other musicians, proceeded to play melodies filled with emotion and rich with history. As the audience clapped along, many felt compelled to get up and dance to add to the expression of spirituality. Seeing my fellow Nachshon fellows raise their arms high and tap their feet to the rhythm really brought in the spirit of what was to be a joyous Shabbat in Jerusalem.
Music has always been an important expression of all things for me: be it passion, emotion or spirituality. Listening from others who have made a career using their vocal chords and musical talent is inspiring, and all the more so when doing so connects to Judaism.
Hadas ended the concert by teaching us a special piyut she had learned in Turkey and had promised to pass on to all those she encountered. We repeated after her, mimicking her effortless runs and trills with difficulty, which gave us a deeper appreciation for her talent.
The most special part of the concert was the familial component. Hadas’s two daughters sat front row in the audience and jumped at the chance to sing along with their mother. We watched family history and tradition develop before our eyes as all three young women swayed to the music, keeping perfect pitch.
This was a welcome addition after a full day of programming and helped to bring in Shabbat on a musical note.
