Poetry

These poems present a reflection on mortality and memories.

A poem on parshat Korach by Zohar Atkins

A Talmudic poem about Holocaust appropriation.

Mel Waldman’s poem reflects on the delicate balance between faith and doubt in a world filled with challenges.

A poetic offering from Yehoshua November in advance of parashat Toledot

As Yom Kippur approaches, Bruce Black's poem touches on the simple power of a humble and earnest request for forgiveness.

In this poem, Ben Corvo imagines the visceral experience of surviving on Noah's Ark.

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.

Yaakov Jaffe examines Yehudah Ha-Levi's High Holiday poem "Yashen, Al Teradam"

Yehoshua November's poem movingly and thoughtfully portrays the challenges and pleasures of Chassidic life.