Magical Sounds of Hanukkah: International Jewish Music Festival!

Magical Sounds of Hanukkah: International Jewish Music Festival!

In a few days, from December 14th to 18th, 2025, the 8th International Days of Jewish Music instead, and the motto couldn't be more appropriate: “Hine ma tov – See how beautiful”. This event aims to make the diversity of Jewish song culture tangible. What is particularly noteworthy is that this festival is celebrated at the same time as Hanukkah, the festival of lights, which in Jewish tradition is celebrated over eight evenings and has symbolic meaning. It commemorates the victory of a small group of resistance fighters over an overwhelming army and strengthens the sense of belief in miracles and the importance of community.

The festive concerts and workshops will be held at various locations, including the Villa Esplanade in Heringsdorf, the Old Synagogue in Stavenhagen, Röbel, Berlin, Essen, Chemnitz and the Liberal Synagogue in Hamburg. It starts with an opening concert on December 14th in the Seetelhotel Villa Esplanade entitled “Voices from Theresienstadt”, where baritone Simon Wallfisch and pianist Daniel Seroussi will show their skills.

Diverse program for young and old

The festival also offers exciting workshops for young people. Young interested people can immerse themselves in the world of Jewish music with cantor Yoed Sorek and violinist Samuel Seifert on December 15th at 11:00 a.m. in the Stavenhagen synagogue and at 3:00 p.m. in the Röbel synagogue.

Another highlight is the concert “A Swingin’ Hanukkah” on the same evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Fasanenstrasse Jewish Community Center in Berlin. Here Roman Grinberg, Michael Alexander Willens and the Shvayg Mayn Harts Orchestra will delight visitors with their verve.

Finish with light sounds

The festival will culminate with the concert “Sounds of Light – A Hanukkah Concert” on December 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the Liberal Synagogue in Hamburg. With Jascha Nemtsov on piano and Alina Treiger on vocals, it will be an unforgettable experience for all music enthusiasts.

Hanukkah, celebrated during this festival, is a joyful, although not one of the most important holidays in Judaism. As darkness falls, the Hanukkah lights are lit and families or friends sing and play the dreidel game. Traditional foods include oil-fried delicacies such as latkes and sufganiot, which round off festive meals.

Patron Dr. Josef Schuster supports this great initiative, which not only promotes music but also intercultural exchange. Ultimately, it's about preserving and passing on the rich tradition and heritage of Jewish culture. Let us be enchanted by the sounds of Jewish music!