Turn to Traditions – Calls for Change: Negotiations over Liturgy in the Synagogues of Finland

Abstract

This article explores how Jews in Finland relate to the musical traditions of their synagogues and the changes that have occurred in the customs over time and as the result of various cultural and spiritual influences. Based on ethnographic data, it focuses on rituals, liturgy, and music as contexts for negotiating relationships between the institution and the individual, memory practices, and contemporary innovation – being and doing Jewish, to use concepts from the vernacular religion framework. The article outlines the historical development of Minhag Finland, the vernacular liturgical customs. It concludes that the “turn to traditions” should be stated in the plural, as several Jewish customs, cultures, and context are engaged in the negotiations around liturgy. This is not just a way to freeze time and preserve the status quo. Instead, seeking for meaningful models in the past paves the way for change – especially when turning toward a broad range of traditions.

Sphinx 2023-2024

“…Det här handlar inte bara om att frysa tiden i en nostalgisk dåtid, en önskan om att allt ska vara som det alltid har varit. Istället kunde vi tolka detta som ett sökande efter meningsfulla modeller i det förflutna som banar väg för förändring (Muir, Illman & Tuori 2023).…”