STAR & STRIPES
Synagogue music by Jewish
composers from Germany,
who emigrated to the USA
Louis Lewandowski Festival 2014
Synagogue music and the Jewish tradition
Synagogue music plays a central role in the religious life of Jewish communities.
This form of music has developed over centuries and reflects the spiritual and cultural values of Judaism.
Emigration to the United States
Many Jewish composers were forced to leave Germany due to persecution by the Nazi regime.
They found a new home in the United States, where they were able to further develop their musical traditions.
Influence on the music
In the USA, they combined their traditional synagogal music with American musical styles.
This synthesis led to a unique development of the Jewish musical tradition that both respects its roots and integrates new, modern elements.
The experiences of the composers
The works of this year’s composers reflect their experiences of flight, adaptation and creative renewal.
Their contribution to synagogal music remains significant today, both in the US and around the world