Bloch really started to musically reflect on his Jewish heritage once he had moved to the United States in 1916. The "Jewish Cycle" of large-scale works was the main fruit of these reflections, and Bloch regularly returned to Jewish themes in later phases of his career, as in the Suite hébraïque, which has become popular among both violinists and violists in both orchestra- and piano-accompanied versions. The suite draws on traditional Jewish sources, as well as melodic and timbral inspirations, such as the sound of the shofar's call. The opening Rapsodie's languorous main theme contains some Hebraic inflections. Most of the movement is forceful, with barely repressed emotion and a few telling dissonances. A march rhythm and a passionate theme from the viola characterize the second movement, titled "Processional." The finale, "Affirmation," opens and closes with a full-throated theme over a dance-like, lilting rhythm, framing a sweet, graceful central section.

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