Maqam and Liturgy: Ritual, Music, and Aesthetics of Syrian Jews in Brooklyn (Raphael Patai Series in Jewish Folklore and Anthropology)
Providing both spontaneity in the service . . . and expression of the liturgical text through a maq m remain the central challenges for Syrian cantors. Their manner of melodic expression applied to designated sections within the morning liturgy is a unique feature that makes this Jewish liturgy 'Syrian.' --From the Introduction