The Diwan Project is an ensemble that performs traditional music and song in a free, contemporary Israeli style, using original instruments from the Jewish Diaspora. As opposed to a concert where the audience listens to the musicians and then applauds their performance, The Diwan Project begins and ends every prayer-song in silence. The journey, which lasts two hours, builds up with the audience’s participation, sharing in song and in common intent. The melodies and lyrics arise from within the collective memory of the Jewish Diaspora and its heritage spanning thousands of years. In essence, The Diwan Project is a community gathering drawing together people from all cultures and traditions in a spirit of peace, respect and friendship.


 The Diwan Project is an encounter and not a performance

The Diwan Project is a revival of the sacred, ancient tradition of the Levites through piyut and prayer.

The Diwan Project creates an invisible link between the choir, the audience and the musicians who become as one.  

 The Jews of Medieval Spain had a tradition. They would often meet outside the synagogue or house of study. Following prayer or a study session, they would fill the gap between their religious and secular activity by creating a special kind of culture, integrating in this spiritual quest their yearning for the Shechina (the divine presence) and for the return to Zion.  These encounters in Spain, Egypt, Morocco and Yemen were called Diwan.   

The rich culture of Diwan; composed of song and Piyut (sacred poetry & prose) is a legacy that has had a profound influence on the creative activity and the songwriting of the people of Israel until this day. Women and men, young and old, even children – all take part in the Diwan, singing and praying together.