There is a Pleasant Burden

Written in the 1980s, the burden hasn’t changed. Today is the 50th anniversary of the Reunification of Jerusalem, and this poem is for all of those who have come to visit the Holy City, from near and far.

There is a pleasant burden of longing
you carry when you leave Jerusalem.

There is a summons in the air, turning away to Exile,
a decree: yearn for Mitzvahs,
know preciousness, be gentle.

Yearning itself is redefined.

About the Author

Danny Siegel is a well-known author, lecturer, and poet who has spoken in more than 500 North American Jewish communities on Tzedakah and Jewish values, besides reading from his own poetry. He is the author of 29 1/2 books on such topics as Mitzvah heroism practical and personalized Tzedakah, and Talmudic quotes about living the Jewish life well. Siegel has been referred to as "The World's Greatest Expert on Microphilanthropy", "The Pied Piper of Tzedakah", "A Pioneer Of Tzedakah", and "The Most Famous Unknown Jewish Poet in America."