The Magic of Moroccan Song

Let’s share together the warmth, flavors and sounds of a traditional Moroccan Friday night dinner, for a full cultural and musical experience.

Join Dr. Yona A. Elfassi for a one-of-a-kind Moroccan singing workshop! Together, we’ll dive into ‘Hiya Hiya,’ one of Morocco’s most beloved songs, telling the story of a woman in love. Through this song, we’ll:

Explore how love and desire are expressed in Moroccan music
Unpack the lyrics and their cultural context
Sing together in Moroccan Arabic
We’ll also share a delicious homemade Moroccan Shabbat dinner!
No prior knowledge of Moroccan Arabic is required – just bring your voice, curiosity, and an open heart.

Get ready to sing, connect, and fall in love with the rhythms and stories of Morocco!

Dr. Yona A. Elfassi is a Moroccan-born educator, researcher, and content creator whose work bridges cultures, disciplines, and continents. He has been based in Israel for the past decade. He holds a dual PhD in Middle East Studies (Ben-Gurion University, Israel) and Sociology/ Anthropology (Sciences Po Bordeaux, France). Yona’s work has taken him around the globe, where he has been invited to lecture at leading universities and institutions. His academic journey transcends traditional boundaries, driven by a belief that research should also build connections and foster understanding. Beyond academia, he amplifies his impact through social initiatives, public engagement, and creative storytelling, including short films. Dedicated to exploring the complexities of Muslim-Jewish relations, the plurality of identities, and the preservation of indigenous cultures, Yona’s mission is to generate knowledge that inspires dialogue, empathy, and meaningful change across communities.

We are grateful to our event hosts, partners and sponsors: FED, The American Sephardi Federation, Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network, and Kanisse.