King David is credited with establishing the first Hebrew orchestra and choir. Most of the musicians and singers were from the tribe of Levi. It is recorded in Chronicles 1:15 that David asked the Levites to appoint singers from among them to sing joyful songs accompanied by musical instruments such as the lyre, harp, and cymbals. The Mishnah (Ar. 2:6) states that, in the Second Temple in Jerusalem, «there were never fewer than twelve Levites on the platform [as a choir], but there was no limit to the maximum number of singers.» After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, the sacrificial rite was canceled, and with it the music that accompanied it.

Even though the core elements of Jewish tradition survived the destruction, the musical culture of the Levites was lost. Yet Jews always longed for the sounds of a choir in religious services. Even Maimonides, the great Jewish philosopher of the 12th century, permitted a choir to sing God’s praise in the synagogue and on religious holidays. In the Middle Ages, some Ashkenazi services included two singers alongside the cantor, providing musical support with chords, rhythm, and harmony. The first choirs in a synagogue were established in the 16th century. Choirs of six to eight members sang prayers such as «Aleinu,» «Ein Keloheinu,» and «Adon Olam.» Some opposed this practice, but Solomon Hazzan of Metz, in his manual for cantors, stated that, «just as it is impossible for the earth to exist without wind, a chazan cannot exist without choristers.»

The most celebrated composer for synagogue choirs of this period was Salamone Rossi (1570–1630), court musician to the Dukes of Mantua. Rossi published a collection of thirty-three Jewish motets, in the style of late Italian Renaissance music. However, it was not until the 19th century, with the emancipation and enlightenment of European Jews, that choral singing became a regular feature of the synagogue.

Soon, composers of religious music emerged, such as Solomon Sulzer (1804–1890) and Louis Lewandowski (1823–1894). Male a cappella choirs were also formed in Orthodox synagogues, such as that of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808–1888) in Frankfurt. The first choir in the United States was organized in 1818, in New York City, at Congregation Shearith Israel. In 1897, the Reform movement published its first collection of music, comprising 129 hymns for four-part choir. At the end of the 19th century, secular Jewish choirs emerged that were not affiliated with a synagogue. They sought to express Jewish cultural identity. The first was the Hazomir, founded in 1899 in Lodz.

From its beginning, the Reform Jewish movement promoted male and female choirs. In contrast, the Orthodox movement does not allow mixed choirs, based on an interpretation by the Sage Shmuel in Berachot 24a, which considers a woman’s voice as «nakedness.» He relies on the Song of Songs 2:14, which says: «Let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet.» This position is questioned by many scholars. Salomon Sulzer argued that synagogue service needed to be restored without losing its historical foundations.

The original forms of the liturgy had to be rediscovered and the demand for music in prayer met without losing its Jewish character. Music has always been part of the religious service. If not, ask King David.

By Marcos Gojman

Bibliography: Articles by Jonathan L. Friedmann, Rabbi Raymond Apple, and other sources.