Let's All Dance The Hora!

The hora is a lively, traditional Jewish circle dance often performed at weddings and other celebrations, such as... Hanukkah! It involves family, friends, and guests holding hands or linking arms and dancing around in a circle, oftentimes changing direction (clockwise, then counterclockwise, etc.). It's known for its energy and joyful atmosphere.

"Let's All Dance The Hora!" first presents some background for the hora in its opening verse. This section is reflective and in a minor key. At measure 20, as the singers are singing the word "shalom" (which means peace, harmony, and well-being), the music goes into a major key and a slightly faster tempo. Here, the lyrics speak about how to dance the hora. This would be a great opportunity for your singers to actually start dancing the hora. You could have them do this while singing, or keep the singers stationary and have another group do the dancing.

The second verse goes back to the minor key and speaks of several activities and celebratory images of The Festival Of Lights. Then it's back to the major key and dancing all the way to the end of the piece.

We have provided a playable piano part in case you wish to perform this song live. That way, you could extend the length of the major key/hora dancing section if you wish. However, if you use the recording, you will be treated to a wonderful orchestration that includes a rhythm section and full orchestra, featuring a beautiful clarinet solo played during the second verse. To enhance your performance, you could add to the recorded accompaniment (or to a live accompaniment) by having members of your choir play triangles, tambourines, and/or finger cymbals.