The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod joined Raviv Kanfo’s Project for a special Selichot concert Wednesday, bringing centuries-old Jewish prayers together with Israeli classics and contemporary music in new orchestral arrangements.
The performance was broadcast live exclusively on ynet Global for audiences in Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
Held during Elul, the Jewish month leading into the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the concert connected ancient Jewish traditions with contemporary Israeli culture. Its arrangements blended Andalusian musical traditions, Mediterranean influences and modern Israeli sounds.
Selichot are penitential prayers and liturgical poems traditionally recited in the period leading up to and during the High Holy Days. The prayers center on themes of repentance, forgiveness, introspection and spiritual renewal.
The concert sought to bring those traditions to a broad audience, including religious and secular Jews, young and old, while exploring both the personal nature of prayer and its communal dimension.
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The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod performs a Selichot concert featuring Raviv Kanfo’s Project
(Photo: Meir Sharam)
Moving between the atmosphere of the synagogue and the concert stage, the program paired ancient liturgical poetry with Israeli songs, highlighting a musical connection that has evolved across generations and remains part of contemporary Israeli culture.
Ancient prayers, new musical interpretations
Traditional Selichot poems that have become fixtures of Jewish religious and cultural life will receive new orchestral interpretations alongside works by contemporary artists.
Over generations, Selichot poetry has also influenced musicians who have created personal works reflecting the themes associated with the season — introspection, repentance, reconciliation and spiritual reflection.
Raviv Kanfo’s Project performs with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod during a Selichot concert blending traditional prayer with contemporary Israeli music
(Photo: Meir Sharam)
The program included well-known Selichot prayers such as “Adon HaSelichot” and “Ya Shema Evyonecha,” alongside songs reflecting contemporary life, spiritual melodies and works rooted in Jewish tradition.
Elad Levi, artistic director of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod, described the concert as both a musical and spiritual journey.
“We are thrilled to share our new Selichot concert with Jews around the world,” Levi said. “It is a personal and deeply moving journey — an opportunity for self-reflection, reconciliation and hope through music and prayer.”
The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod and Raviv Kanfo’s Project perform a special Selichot concert ahead of the High Holy Days
(Photo: Meir Sharam)
Levi said the collaboration with Raviv Kanfo’s Project grew from a desire to connect Jewish tradition with contemporary Israeli music.
“Selichot poetry is a cultural and musical treasure that transcends communities and generations, and when these ancient prayers meet the orchestral language of the Andalusian Orchestra and the contemporary Israeli voice, a unique experience is created — one that honors our sources while giving them new life,” he said.
“It is a great privilege for us to invite every Jew, wherever they find themselves and from anywhere in the world, to take part in this moving performance, even from afar.”
A crowd attends a performance by the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod and Raviv Kanfo’s Project during the Jewish month of Elul ahead of the High Holy Days
(Photo: Meir Sharam)
Shalom Lotty, CEO of the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra of Ashdod, said the orchestra places particular importance on collaborations that bridge audiences, cultures and generations.
“At a time when Israeli society — and Jews everywhere — are seeking moments of connection and meaning, we are proud to offer a performance that brings together tradition, culture and contemporary Israeli creativity,” Lotty said.
The concert was conducted by Roy Azulay, with Levi serving as artistic director.