Prepare for Rosh Hashanah by diving into the lyrical beauty of the centuries-old piyyut (liturgical poem) Ahot K’tanah, composed by the 13th Sephardic poet Abraham Ḥazan di Gerona, traditionally recited at the commencement of Rosh Hashanah by Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities. The poem, whose name means Little Sister in Hebrew, symbolizes the Jewish people as a young woman who remains faithful to her heavenly lover despite the suffering she endures. The piyyut’s refrain, tichleh shanah v’kililotehah (may the year-and her woes- come to end) is particularly resonant this year.

We’ll read the poem in Hebrew and in its English translation and listen to beautiful recordings of the poem being recited according to the musical traditions of the Jewish communities of Italy and Aleppo, Syria.

Honey cookies and drinks will be served.