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Maqam Ajam
originated in Persia (Iran), and therefore it was named after
Persia, which translates to Ajam in Arabic. Ajam is the Arabic
equivalent of the Western Major scale. This maqam is linked with
festivity and joyousness. It contains many pizmonim that are
associated with holidays and weddings. We apply this maqam to the
prayers on the second days of the Yom Tov, Parashiot Vayeseh,
Beshalah, and Shophetim, as well as the Shevah Berachot of all
weddings.
In
Parashat Vayeseh, Yaakov marries his wives (wedding) and therefore
this maqam is used. Ajam is closely related to the true meaning of
song so we use it for Beshalah (Shabbat Shira) and the Seventh Day
of Passover because we read the section of "Az Yashir" from the
Torah on those days. It is used on Shophetim to mark the joyous
event of choosing a king. It is also used for Simhat Torah, which is
a day that represents happiness and joy.
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