Sample Sources
The sources below are those contained in our three curated collections—covering themes of Passover, Gender Roles, and Holocaust Resistance. They represent a fraction of the thousands of sources that will be available when the full site launches in 2024.
Bliss
We shall live in the shade of the graceful doe and, living there, shall be sustained. We shall walk through darkness by her light, with never-ending joy. When she laughs, we will burst into song; when…
Her Eyes
The girl’s eyes are the heavens of love, a robe of light and splendour in which she clothes herself. Even when they are hidden by clouds of tears, lovers, do not be afraid to come near. Do not fear…
Couplets of Joseph the Righteous
“It is only because the Lord was with us,”
says the old Israel;
in You lies holiness,
Israel’s praises.
“It is only because the Lord was with us,”
You elevated us above other men,
You saved us from…
Tourists
So condolence visits is what they’re here for,sitting around at the Holocaust Memorial, putting on a serious faceat the Wailing Wall,laughing behind heavy curtains in hotel rooms.They get themselves…
The Converts
On the holiest day we fast till sundown.
I watch the sun stand still
as the horizon edges towards it. Four hours to go.
The rabbi’s mouth opens and closes and opens.
I think: fish
and little steaming…
Traveling and Passing
Traveling and returning. In the
Dirt paths of her forehead
Railroad trains anchor, yellow
Carriages locomotive flowers
In the fields of liberated Europe
Traveling and returning. In the shadows
Betw…
Musicians on Ritual Stand
Musicians on ritual stand, Ashdod, late 11th or early 10th century BCE. Music and dance played an important role in Israel and the ancient Near East in both daily life and special occasions such as…
Bird Figurine with Pillar Base
This terra-cotta bird figurine from Lachish, about 4 inches (10 cm) high, has outspread wings indicating flight. Like the Judahite pillar figurines, its base is a solid pillar flaring outward at the…
Seal of Shema, Servant of Jeroboam, with Lion
A large lion dominates this seal, appearing between the owner’s name (Shema) and his title (servant of Jeroboam). The lion’s jaws are open and its tail curves upward, making the animal appear larger…
The American Plan
Eva and Olivia. A table set for tea.Eva:Oh, Olivia, this dampness is terrible, every bone in my body aches. (Olivia lights a cigarette.) That is an awful habit.Olivia:(Gleefully.) Yes.Eva…
Building Jerusalem
They are all seated in the parlour once again.Alice:Alright, I have another idea. I propose we go around and describe the scene on New Year’s Eve one hundred years ago. What do you…
On Filling Shoes
I had a very unusual fifteenth birthday. During my birthday week, the end of April, I was traveling with 5,000 high school students from around the world, visiting concentration camps in Poland. I…