A Cultural Journey Through Time
Culture
The Traditions of the Jews of Syria
The Jews of Aleppo and Damascus each had their own customs, but both were famous for strong families, devoted communal life, great rabbis, and music. Syrian Jewish music uses the Arabic maqam system: pizmonim, Hebrew songs set to Arabic melodies, are sung at weddings and celebrations, and the Baqashot are sung before dawn on winter Shabbat mornings.
Syrian Jewish food is a point of pride, from kibbeh and stuffed vegetables to sweet and sour tamarind sauces. Above all, Syrian Jews are remembered as guardians of the Aleppo Codex, the oldest nearly complete Hebrew Bible, which they protected for nearly six centuries.
Today, Syrian Jewish communities in Brooklyn, Deal, Mexico City, Panama, and Israel keep these traditions alive. JIMENA shares their stories through programs and oral histories.
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Key dates in the history of the Jews of Syria, at a glance. |
The story of the Jews of Syria, from ancient times to today. |
Watch Syrian Jews tell their own stories. |
Dishes for Shabbat, holidays, and every day, and the stories behind them. |
Histories, memoirs, novels, and children's books in JIMENA's library. |
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Timeline of Jewish Presence
