CSA Fall Virtual Lecture Series: Anna Schultz (Associate Professor, Music, University of Chicago)

Why would Jews adopt a performance form that had been attached to Hindu temple worship for 700 years? And how did they manage to transform it so that it would become not only accepted, but beloved, within the Bene Israel community? Bene Israel kirtan tells a story of translation and adaptation of Hebrew texts into Marathi texts. By translating not only language, but also religious practices and musical styles, Bene Israel leaders negotiated an Indian Jewish voice.