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Growing up in Bosnia, Merima Kljuco was familiar with the Sarajevo Haggadah.

The illuminated medieval manuscript was considered a treasure of the Bosnian National Museum for more than a century. Its 600-year journey from Spain through Italy and then Sarajevo, and its survival through persecu-tion and near destruction at the hands of Jewish ene-mies, just heightened the sense that it was a very special book.

But four years ago, a friend gave Ms. Kljuco a copy of People of the Book, the acclaimed 2008 historical novel about the Sarajevo Hag-gadah by Gera ld ine Brooks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who reported on the Bosnian war for the Wall Street Journal.

Ms. Kljucos interest in the Haggadah was transformed from fascination to creative passion.

I became obsessed with the idea of a project that would musically and visually follow the Haggadahs journey from Spain to Sarajevo, she said.

The Haggadahs odyssey also reminded Ms. Kljuco of her own life and exodus; she had been forced to leave her country, she wrote in an email, under the strangest and heaviest circumstances.

Now Ms. Kljuco, an internationally acclaimed concert accordionist, has com-posed a piece of music that gives voice to the Sarajevo Haggadahs trek.

The Sarajevo Haggadah: Music of the Book is a multimedia presentation, an artistic collaboration between Ms. Kljuco, pianist Seth Knopp, and Bart Woodstrup, an artist who created a visual animation that accompanies the concert.

The composition, commissioned by the Foundation for Jewish Cultures New Jewish Culture Network, had its world premiere to sold out-audiences at the end of March. The irst was at Yellow Barn, a prominent cen-ter for chamber music in Putney, Vt., where Ms. Kljuco developed the piece in an ear-lier residency, and then at the Boston Jew-ish Music Festival in partnership with New

Center for the Arts.Upcoming performances on a North

American tour include Dallas, San Fran-cisco, Toronto, and Austin, Texas.

The composition reflects the foundations vision to support cultural works that are accessible to audiences of all backgrounds, according to Andrew Ingall, former director of its New Jewish Culture Network.

The music is contemporary but also

reflects Sephardic music traditions, Mr. Ingall wrote in an email. It communicates the wonders, traumas and geographic jour-neys of this remarkable codex.

While the Foundation for Jewish Culture closed earlier this year because of funding problems, Ingall is traveling to many of the Sarajevo Haggadah performances.

The mesmerizing one-hour piece is divided into 12 movements that trace the Haggadahs history, from playful Sephardic melodies and dances to nearly silent, prayer-like tones and then harsh, brutal rhythms that erupt from Mr. Knopf s piano.

During an emotional passage on the Siege of Sarajevo, Ms. Kljucos accordion nearly weeps. Woodstrups visual images, which include illustrations from the Haggadah, are projected onto a long white sheet, as if it were a seder table covering.

At the Boston performance, Ms. Brooks offered introductory remarks and later joined Ms. Kljuco for an onstage interview. The two met that evening for the irst time.

It is an amazing experience to be part of the transmission of inspiration in this way, Ms. Brooks said the day after the concert. In an email, she described her contribution as a tiny link in a creative chain.

Now Merima and her collaborators have

extended the chain, she wrote.The Sarajevo Haggadah stands out among

others of its time in several ways, according to Aleksandra Buncic, an art historian and a scholar born and raised in Sarajevo.

Produced in the Crown of Aragon between 1330 and 1350, the Haggadah fea-tures the most complete illuminated cycle of biblical events, from the Book of Gen-esis as well as Exodus, Ms. Buncic said in a phone conversation from Philadelphia, where she is a Fulbright scholar. It also illuminates all seven days of the creation of the world, which is not found in any other example of Jewish art through the Middle Ages, she added.

The Haggadah was presumed to have been smuggled out of Spain and survived the 1492 Expulsion of Jews, and later, in Venice, was spared the fate of being burned by the popes inquisitor.

At the end of the 19th century, the Haggadah, which found its way

to Sarajevo, the source of its name, was sold to the Bosnian National Museum by its Jewish owners. Twice during the 20th century it was saved by Muslims there at great risk to their lives once by Dervis Kor-kut from the hands of the Nazis, and more recently in the mid-1990s by Enver Imam-ovic during the deadly years of the Siege of Sarajevo.

Ms. Kljuco grew up in the former Yugosla-via but left her home in 1993 during the Bos-nian War. She spent time in refugee camps, a painful memory to this day, she said in the email.

The Haggadah ... suffered transforma-tions which make it even more special by giving it a richer history that reflects it pas-sage through different cultures, Ms. Kljuco wrote. I also travel around the world and with every journey I get a new scar, posi-tive or negative. But I keep my dignity and get richer by traveling through different cir-cumstances and sharing culture with others through my music.

In the former Yugoslavia, she was exposed to an array of musical styles. She began playing accordion, the leading instru-ment, at an early age, falling in love at irst sound.

Hailed for her virtuosity, Ms. Kljuco per-forms around the world with symphony and chamber orchestras. She now makes her home in Los Angeles.

Ms. Kljuco has become steeped in

Growing up in Bosnia, Merima Kljuco was familiar with

The illuminated medieval manuscript was considered a treasure of the Bosnian National Museum for more than a century. Its 600-year journey from Spain through Italy and then Sarajevo, and its survival through persecu-tion and near destruction at the hands of Jewish ene-mies, just heightened the sense that it was a very

But four years ago, a friend gave Ms. Kljuco a copy of People of the Book, the acclaimed 2008 historical novel about the Sarajevo Hag-gadah by Gera ld ine

extended the chain, she wrote.The Sarajevo Haggadah stands out among

others of its time in several ways, according to Aleksandra Buncic, an art historian and a scholar born and raised in Sarajevo.

Produced in the Crown of Aragon between 1330 and 1350, the Haggadah fea-tures the most complete illuminated cycle of biblical events, from the Book of Gen-esis as well as Exodus, Ms. Buncic said in a phone conversation from Philadelphia, where she is a Fulbright scholar. It also illuminates all seven days of the creation of the world, which is not found in any other example of Jewish art through the Middle Ages, she added.

The Haggadah was presumed to have been smuggled out of Spain and survived the 1492 Expulsion of Jews, and later, in Venice, was spared the fate of being burned by the popes inquisitor.

the Haggadah, which found its way to Sarajevo, the source of its name,

Tracing the 600-year odyssey of the Sarajevo Haggadah in music

Calendar

58 Jewish standard aPriL 11, 2014

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Friday april 11

Play group in Paramus: shalom Baby of Jewish Federation of northern new Jersey offers parents of newborns through 3-year-olds a Passover celebration with stories, songs, crafts, and snacks, and the opportunity to connect with each other and the Jewish community, at the JCC of Paramus/Congregation Beth tikvah, 9:30 a.m. administered by JFnnJs synagogue Leadership initiative, funded by the henry and Marilyn taub Foundation. east 304 Midland ave. (201) 820-3917, or www.jfnnj.org/shalombaby.

Play group in Woodcliff Lake: temple emanuel of the Pascack Valley offers a Passover play group for babies up to one year and moms/caregivers, 10 a.m. 87 Overlook drive. (201) 391-8329 or lisa@tepv.org.

Shabbat in Wyckoff: temple Beth rishons adult choir, Kol rishon, and its teen choir, Zemer rishon, join with Cantor ilan Mamber and cantorial intern Jenna daniels for a musical pre-Passover service, 8 p.m. 585 russell ave. (201) 891-4466 or www.bethrishon.org.

Saturday april 12

Shabbat in Teaneck: temple emeth offers tot shabbat, 9:30 a.m., followed by bagels. 1666 windsor road. (201) 833-1322 or www.emeth.org.

Shabbat in Orangeburg: the Orangetown Jewish Center offers its adult monthly learners minyan, 10 a.m.; family congregation for first- through sixth-graders at 10:30, and shabbaba shabbat for newborns to 5-year-olds, at 11. 8 independence ave. (845) 359-5920 or office@theojc.org.

Sunday april 13

Israel and Arab countries: Liran Kapoano, director of the Center for israel engagement at Jewish Federation of northern new Jersey, discusses

the impact on israel of what is happening in the neighboring arab Countries, at Congregation adas emuno in Leonia, 10 a.m. refreshments. 254 Broad ave. (201) 592-1712 or www.adasemuno.org.

Shabbat in Teaneck: the Jewish Center of teaneck marks shabbat haGadol with a drasha by rabbi Lawrence s. Zierler, Back-Benching in halakhic Observance vs. the hands-On experience the role of shelichut or agency in halakhic Observance, 6 p.m. 70 sterling Place. (201) 833-0515, ext. 200.

Monday april 14

Chameitz burning: the Jewish Center of teaneck holds its annual al and Joy amsel Memorial Biur hametz program, aka., Big Bread Burn,9:30 a.m. teaneck Fire department will bring a truck and fire safety trailer. 70 sterling Place. (201) 833-0515, ext. 200.

Robert Eric

Concert in Wayne: robert eric performs a tribute to Billy Joel for its new rock tribute

series at the wayne YMCa, 7 p.m. the Metro YMCas of the Oranges is a partner of the YM-Ywha of north Jersey. 1 Pike drive. (973) 595-0100.

Tuesday april 15

Joint Passover service in Leonia: Congregation adas emuno hosts a Passover service, in conjunction with the clergy and members of temple emeth of teaneck and temple sinai of Bergen County in tenafly, 10 a.m. Light Passover kiddush follows. 254 Broad ave. (201) 592-1712 or www.adasemuno.org.

Passover in Wyckoff: temple Beth rishon has services, 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon. 585 russell ave. (201) 891-4466 or www.bethrishon.org.

Friday april 18

Shabbat in Orangeburg: the Orangetown Jewish Center has its monthly Friday lecture series with dr. Marty Cohen, 7 p.m. 8 independence ave. (845) 359-5920 or office@theojc.org.

Shabbat in Teaneck: temple emeth holds musical shabbat service with rabbi steven sirbu, Cantor ellen tilem, and the temple emeth band, 8 p.m. 1666 windsor road. (201) 833-1322 or www.emeth.org.

Saturday april 19

Shabbat in Ridgewood: Members of the torah Club at temple israel and Jewish Community Center fourth- through seventh-graders lead services, 9 a.m. the group meets wednesday evenings at the synagogue with Cantor Caitlin Bromberg, as part of the northern new Jersey Jewish academy. 475 Grove st. (201) 444-9320.

Shabbat in Wyckoff: the Mens Club at temple Beth rishon leads services on the fifth day of Passover, 10 a.m. 585 russell ave. (201) 891-4466 or www.bethrishon.org.

Shabbat in Emerson: Congregation Bnai israel offers its monthly family shabbat, integrated into an intergenerational learning service, 10 a.m. refreshments. 53 Palisade ave. (201) 265-2272 or www.bisrael.com.

Sunday april 20

Family day in Washington Township: the Bergen County YJCC hosts rock into spring, a community-wide free event with activities for all ages, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. activities include Musical iQ by PJ Library for 3- to 6-year-olds; dayrock for children 7 and older; super soccer stars outside; a matzah bar; pet rock activity; planting a community garden; and open swim and group fitness classes. 605 Pascack road. (201) 666-6610.

Film in Franklin Lakes: as part of its israeli Film series, Barnert temple presents Footnote, 7 p.m. 747 route 208 south. (201) 848-1800 or www.barnerttemple.org.

Tuesday april 22

Bereavement program in Teaneck: holy name Medical Center hospice and Palliative services offers sharing the Journey, an eight-session bereavement program to provide compassionate support and education. nonsectarian; facilitated by trained bereavement counselors. Open to anyone who has experienced loss in the past year. Meetings on tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. or wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. beginning april 23. Claudia Coenen, (201) 833-3188, ext. 7483.

SinglesThursday april 24

Widows and widowers meet in Glen Rock: Movin On, a luncheon group for widows and widowers, meets at the Glen rock Jewish Center, 12:30 p.m. 682 harristown road. $5 for lunch. (201) 652-6624 or office@grjc.org.

Parents Choice winner Shira Kline and her band, ShirLaLa, offer a musical Passover journey at the Museum of Jewish Heritage A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in Manhattan on Sunday at 2 p.m. Themed crafts

and tours, which are free with the purchase of concert tickets, will be offered starting at 1. There is a program for children from 3- to 10-years-old. 36 Battery Place. (646) 437-4202 or www.mjhnyc.org.

apr.

13

announce your eventswe welcome announce-ments of upcoming events. announcements are free. accompanying photos must be high resolution, jpg files. send announcements 2 to 3 weeks in advance. not every release will be published. include a daytime telephone number and send to:

NJ Jewish Media Group pr@jewishmediagroup.com 201-837-8818

Calendar

Jewish standard aPriL 11, 2014 59

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Seeking Israel Parade photosJune 1 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Cel-ebrate Israel parade, one of the largest parades in New York City. To mark the occasion, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is asking all past parade participants to submit photos from earlier parades. The pho-tos will help tell the parades rich history.

JCRC-NY has created a website, celebrate50.org; you can upload your photos there or email them to submit@celebrate50.org. Participants who submit photos are automatically entered into a drawing to win two spots on a float dur-ing this years parade. JCRC-NY has collected photos of attendees from past parades, includ-ing Mayors Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani, Sena-tor Alfonse DAmato, Congressman Charles

Rangel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, and Shimon Peres.

This years parade is set for Sunday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fifth Avenue will turn blue and white as more than 30 floats with musical performers, 15 marching bands, and 35,000 marchers entertain hundreds of thou-sands of spectators for the largest celebration of Israel in the world.

For the first time, the parade will feature the Israeli nonprofit organization SpaceIL and the US IL Flying Club, who will participate in a fly-over saluting the parade.

Photo submission is ongoing; to be entered into the contest, however, participants must submit their photos by May 1.

Visit Israel with JNF and JDATEThe Jewish National Fund and JDate have announced their first-ever singles trip to Israel, from July 13 to 19, for Jew-ish singles 30 to 45.

JNF is thrilled to kick off our new relationship with JDate with this excit-ing trip, Stephen Bach, JNFs chief administration officer, said. Our orga-nizations are committed to engaging the next generation of Jews and nurtur-ing a love and appreciation for the land and people of Israel. We are focused on strengthening our American Jew-ish community and bringing together like-minded Jewish singles in unique opportunities like this trip.

Whether this is your first trip to Israel, or youve visited many times before, this trip is a cant-miss opportu-nity to experience Israel in a dynamic

way. Youre in for the best time of your life.

Greg Liberman, chairman/CEO of Spark Networks, the company that owns and operates JDate, said, This partnership presents a terrific oppor-tunity, on the heels of the launch of our new Get Chosen campaign, to bring to life what makes the JDate community so meaningful a shared understand-ing of faith and culture. Not only will JDaters explore places in Israel that are integral to Jewish heritage, but they will get to experience unforgettable moments with other Jewish singles who share their values.

For information, email Stephen Bach at sbach@jnf.org, call him at (516) 593-1200, ext. 179, or go to jnf.org/travel or www.jdate.com.Exhibit on Scottish Jews in NYC

Scotland Week started last week in New York City with cultural and arts events including a photo exhibit, Scots Jews: Identity, Belonging and the Future, a photo exhibit at the Milton J. Weill Gal-lery at the 92nd Street Y that runs through April 27.

The photo exhibit is a project from pho-tographer Judah Passow, who traveled across Scotland to produce a portrait that

captures the complexity and diversity of Jewish life at the beginning of the 21st cen-tury. His photo documentary illustrates the story of the Scottish Jewish community and how it maintains its traditions while fully embracing Scottish culture.

The gallery is at 1395 Lexington Ave., at 92nd Street. Call (212) 415-5563 or go to www.92y.org/About-Us/Facilities/Gallery-Exhibits.

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