We’re excited to present the second edition of the “Shul Crawl,” a unique series of Shabbat-themed concerts taking place at three midtown synagogues within walking distance of each other. Beginning at Beth Sholom Synagogue and carrying on in approximately one hour increments to Beth Tzedec Congregation and Holy Blossom Temple, these intimate and unique musical performances will explore diverse aspects of shabbat observance from disparate corners of the Jewish world, including Persian/Bukharian, North African/Sephardic and Ashkenazic. Events are free but will require registration. Details below.

4pm – Beth Sholom Synagogue – 1445 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON

Hadar Maoz – From the Silk Road to Jerusalem – A Shabbat Musical Journey

In this special program, Hadar Maoz and takes the audience on a moving musical journey into the spiritual and musical world of the Jewish communities of Bukhara, Persia, Jerusalem, and the broader traditions of Eastern Jewry. Through traditional melodies for Shabbat prayers and piyyutim, personal stories, and explanations of the unique Shabbat customs of these communities, the audience is introduced to the rich cultural and musical heritage of Eastern Jewish traditions passed down through generations. Discover how prayers and piyyutim familiar throughout the Jewish world developed distinctive musical expressions within each of these communities.Hadar Maoz, an international singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, comes from a Jewish musical family that has preserved these traditions for many generations. Her grandfather, Zevulun Yadgar, was the chief cantor of the Bukharian and Persian Jewish communities in Israel, and from him Hadar inherited a deep love for Jewish heritage, liturgical poetry, and the ancient melodies of Shabbat.

5pm – Beth Tzedec Congregation – 1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON

Neta Elkayam and Amit Hai Cohen

Discover the musical shabbat traditions of North Africa in an intimate performance by two of the world’s leading experts in Moroccan-Jewish song. Their performance will be followed by a Kabbalat shabbat service in which they will collaborate with Beth Tzedec’s Cantor Chaim Stern.

6pm – Holy Blossom Temple – 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON

HBT’s usual Kabbalat Shabbat service will feature Ashkenaz Festival musical guests, followed by

7:30pm – Frank London’s “In the City of God”

Frank London’s “In the City of God” is a program of new Hakafot dancing songs originally conceived for Simchat Torah. The music on the album updates ancient prayer texts and psalms into danceable, celebratory klezmer-infused grooves. Blending traditional Jewish liturgy with contemporary arrangements, the program features vibrant vocal and instrumental performances