Discovering new media in the bible

Well, not new media in the common sense, but mediums that are new for me – let’s put it that way. These crazy times have pushed human creativity forward, and I’ve benefited from that in so many personal and professional ways.

Online learning has received the obvious boost from so many of us cooped up and looking to expand our horizons in some way. My talented friend Shulie reminds us that ordinary learning can turn into an experience for all the senses, as she asks:  Have you brought music into your Bible lessons yet?

“The world of biblical songs is very rich and shows the deep connection to the Jewish and Hebrew culture deeply embedded in this land. Growing up as a Jew in Israel, even in a secular family, means you have a basic exposure to Jewish culture, including Bible stories… Travel on any family vacation and you cannot help bumping into a site where a Bible story happened. Put all these together and you can understand why so many of Israel’s more thoughtful artists use the Bible as a starting point for their songs.

“Besides the songs that are Bible verses set to music, there are also many songs that are about Biblical characters… I chose Ehud Banai’s ‘David and Saul’ because he mixes old and new in a powerful song.”

To enjoy this example of enriched learning, here’s the David song, an integral part of our Israeli culture and a tribute to the people of the book – truly connected to our roots while we grow and prosper in this land.

It’s especially appropriate as we approach the holiday of Shavuot and the story of Ruth – ultimate heroine and King David’s grandma!

David and Saul

Everyone has gone to bed long ago

Only Saul is awake, gloomy

He calls David on the phone 🙂 –

 Could you come over, ya David

My soul is like a black lake

Bring your guitar with you

For there is light in your fingers –

 David came right away, all calm,

He sits down and tunes [the guitar]

He knows the job well

Closes his eyes, and plays –

 Ten fingers David has

The tip of each finger – a ray of light

When he strums on the string

Time flows backwards –

 Saul is torn from within

Battles run in his gut

Love-hate, and envious

He is addicted to his friend – 

Something dark falls

The demon rages again

A knife is thrown into the air

Suddenly there’s a wall between the two –

David avoids Saul

But Saul is not giving up

David forgets and forgives

When Saul calls –

 Come play for me again, David

Take me to the stars

Come play again tonight

A song of longing

 Come play again tonight…

 Come play again tonight

A song of longing