Poetry

As the year turns from Elul to Tishrei, enjoy Ben Corvo's collection of poems relevant to the High Holiday themes and liturgy.

In this poem, Avi Killip reflects on the burning of sacrifices on the altar.

In a lyrical meditation on his wife's suffering, Mel Waldman reflects on the compassion of the rabbis who brought divinity into their lives

David Lehman hits a home run with this fun, smart poem that is perfect for the summer

In this collection of poems, Owen Lewis explores the human desire for connection with the divine while navigating an early world.

In this poetic tale from Marina Zilbergerts's recent poetry book You Were Adam (Wipf and Stock), a learned and passionate woman struggles with her yetser hara, nicknamed "Wicked." The yetser is imagined as a fantastic character who accompanies her through Jewish Toronto's banal suburbia. "Wicked '' is a sympathetic and tragic apikores who knows how to get her where it hurts, but he also speaks the truth. He is a careful social observer present with her at all times. From going on weekly shopping trips, being in shul, to more intimate moments, this demonic character becomes her unlikely friend. In an ironic twist, the lessons taught to her by her yetser help her embark on the path of repentance.

What happens at the end of the old year? Hillel Broder explored this boundary in his new poem for the Lehrhaus.

Two new poems by Temima Weissmann address national calamities, both past and present.

As we prepare for Passover, enjoy these three poems by Bruce Black meditating on the past, present, and future of our Exodus.

These poems present a reflection on mortality and memories.