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When the world rejoices, the artist creates. When the world hurts, the artist creates. When the world sees despair, the artist creates, when the world is in awe, the artist creates. The artists’ creations of every age are a direct reflection of the world they inhabit. Every medium speaks to their times and influences one another. Some pieces are so poignant that they are timeless and ultimately speak to the broad themes of life that surface and resurface throughout the ages. Much of our liturgy had its genesis as poetry reflective of their times as well.

The prayer Acheinu appeared first in an 11th-century Machzor but was set to music by Abie Rotenberg in the 1980s. It is a request to God to have mercy on captives and facilitate their redemption and release. It has become the anthem of the hostages held by Hamas today. You can hear it here (subtitles included): https://youtu.be/VYnZRH6Q6QY?si=8nbAhMWAouprgGS-

The song, "LaTzeit MiDica’on" by Yagel Oshri was originally written as a break-up song dealing with the depression that often comes afterward, but providing hope that we can heal from our losses. It was released on TikTok to a mediocre response that got little traction. Re-released after October 7th, it, too, has become an anthem of Israel. You can hear it here (subtitles included): https://youtu.be/pEQwpIRDxrc?si=i5QSuAkBJmCmt0kJ

The song "Bring Them Home," by Eran Mitelman, was written after October 7th. An ensemble of 1,000 musicians gathered at the iconic amphitheater in Caesaria to record this truly inspirational song in an equally inspirational setting. You can listen here (subtitles included): https://youtu.be/1aIyZnFbOu0?si=QSYEYyu89kaQSQYs

Reflecting on all these moving pieces, I can’t help but think of the "Merger Poem (The Dinner Party)" by Judy Chicago, written in 1979. This one needs no subtitles and is perfect for this moment as it provides a vision of a world that today is so broken and divided:

And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind

And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another’s will

And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many

And then all will share equally in the Earth’s abundance

And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old

And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life’s creatures

And then everywhere will be called Eden once again

May the art of every age continue to teach us, inspire us, console us, and heal us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Beth