poetry

With What Shall I Bless Him?

With What Shall I Bless Him?

Written by Rachel Shapira in memory of her classmate Eldad Krock, a young reservist killed in the in the Six Day War, this this sad song is about an angel blessing

Identity Card: Mahmoud Darwish Poem & Song of the First Intifada

Identity Card: Mahmoud Darwish Poem & Song of the First Intifada

Originally written as a poem by iconic Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish in 1964, this song recalls the humiliation and frustration of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, warning that it will eventually lead

Haim Hefer: Yes, It’s Possible

Haim Hefer: Yes, It’s Possible

This song was originally written as a poem by iconic Israeli poet, Haim Hefer, who served in the Palmach during the War of Independence, during the first truce of the

Natan Alterman: Elifelet

Natan Alterman: Elifelet

Performed here by the IDF for Memorial Day, this song, written as a poem by Natan Alterman in 1959 and put to music by Sasha Argov, tells the story of

Natan Alterman / Yehoram Gaon: The Silver Platter

Natan Alterman / Yehoram Gaon: The Silver Platter

This haunting song conveys the great sacrifices upon which the State of Israel was establishment. Soon after the release of the UN Partition Plan of 1947, Chaim Weizmann, who would

“Blessed is the Match”: A Poem by Hannah Senesh

“Blessed is the Match”: A Poem by Hannah Senesh

The following poem, “Blessed is the Match” by Hannah Senesh, describes the human soul as analogous to a match that is desperate to spread its light to other flames. Although not

Zelda: To Light Candles in All the Worlds

Zelda: To Light Candles in All the Worlds

In this poem, the modern Hebrew poet, Zelda, describes the meaning of Shabbat candles. Her understanding of the Shabbat candles as a reminder of the redemptive power of light reflects