Join CNU professor Mike Levine to explore how Jewish liturgy has influenced popular music - from Al Jolson's Kol Nidre to Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah to Matisyahu's Hasidic hip-hop.

This lecture explores the dynamic exchange between Jewish liturgy and popular music, tracing how sacred texts and melodies circulate far beyond the synagogue. Focusing on three emblematic case studies—Al Jolson’s dramatic use of Kol Nidre in The Jazz Singer (1927), Leonard Cohen’s reimagining of Psalmic language in “Hallelujah” and Matisyahu’s incorporation of Hebrew prayer and Hasidic chant into contemporary reggae and hip-hop—we will examine how liturgical materials are borrowed, transformed and recontextualized within modern popular genres.

Program:
12:30pm - Catered Brunch
1:00pm - Family Friendly Craft Workshop* (Room 105)
1:30pm - Annual Spring Lecture (Torggler Lecture Hall)

This program is free and open to the public.

*3D Pen Creations! In conjunction with the Mussical Fossils lecture.
1:00-2:30pm  |  Open to children ages 5+
Inspired by the work of artist Izaak Brandt in Future Fossils, participants will create their own 3D pen printed design. Space is limited. Parental supervision required for children under 8.
RSVP HERE by March 19th.

Presented in collaboration with CNU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion and co-sponsored by the Bertram and Gladys Aaron Endowed Professorship in Jewish Studies and Steve and Joan Marks.

Part of the Sue Anne and Bill Bangel Lecture Series on American Jewish History.