Hebrew Poetry in North Africa

Poetry and song are an integral part of the culture and everyday life of North African Jews. There is no communal or personal event that is not accompanied by songs and liturgical poems appropriate to the occasion. Song encompasses the entire cycle of the year, with all its festivals and observances, as well as the cycle of life, with all its stages. The words and melodies of these songs resonate in the ears of North African Jews and form an integral part of their identity. Songs composed centuries ago by the poets of Spain, alongside more recent songs written by North African poets, remain alive and are still sung today.