The earliest synagogal music was based on the same system as that used in the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the Talmud, Joshua ben Hananiah, who had served in the sanctuary Levitical choir, told how the choristers went to the synagogue from the orchestra by the altar (Talmud, Suk. 53a), and so participated in both services.
Biblical and contemporary sources mention the following instruments that were used in the ancient Temple:
the Nevel, a 12-stringed harp;
the Kinnor, a lyre with 10 strings;
the Shofar, a hollowed-out ram's horn;
the chatzutzera, or trumpet, made of silver;
the tof or small drum;
the metziltayim, or cymbal;
the paamon or bell;
the halil or big flute. |
