Development of a website that enhances efforts to use piyyutim (liturgical poetry) to bring together Israeli Jews to deepen their shared connection to Jewish culture. AVI CHAI’s support for two initiatives, Kehillot Sharot and Speaking Poetry, demonstrated the power of Jewish music and poetry, especially piyyut, to connect people to their Jewish heritage and to foster a common language between Jews of diverse backgrounds. In order to broaden and deepen exposure to piyyutim, Hazmanah L’piyyut (An Invitation to Piyyut) was launched in 2005. The site includes piyyutim of over 28 significant traditions, from Morocco to India to Ashkenaz. The piyyutim are supported by explanations, musical recordings, and pertinent information. The site currently features over 3,500 musical renditions of 740 texts of piyyutim and attracts over 80,000 user sessions per month, averaging more than 15 minutes per session. In 2008, the site opened a new section that invites people to upload and share piyyutim; thousands of monthly visitors enjoy this section, reflecting the strong personal attachment that people have to the piyyut world.

www.piyut.org.il