Klezmer music is the traditional Yiddish music, and has been played in the Shtetls of the Jews in Eastern Europe for centuries. It is "sing-along" music in the true sense of the phrase, expressing all the emotions of life. It touches the hearts of the listeners, and moves them to tears and laughter. It is therefore an authentic expression of life, with all its light and dark sides. As in Blues and Gospel, people's joys and sorrows are reflected in their music. The term "Klezmer" - correctly pronounced "Klayz-mare", comes from the Jewish tradition. In Hebrew, it consists of two words: "Klej", which means "instruments", and "Semer", meaning "song". In Yiddish, the two words come together: "Klejsmer" - as the general term for music, musicians, and everything that has to do with musical expression. The origin of Klezmer music as we know it today is very strongly connected to the Cabala (a system of mystical Judaism). The Cabala was also used as an authority in the origin of Chassidism in the 17th century. It was then, at the time of the "Baalej Schem" (miracle rabbis), that the amazing effect of musical language was rediscovered. It was said that Klezmer music could open heaven, bring the angels to life, and entice wishes and prayers directly into God's ear. Since the soul plays a large part in this ritual, the Jewish people would open and present their souls to the fullest when they sang, prayed, composed, or made music. This brings laughter and tears, as well as an extremely powerful expressivity, to the music.