Poems For Young Israel

Rifqa is Mohammed El-Kurd’s debut collection of poetry, written in the tradition of Ghassan Kanafani’s Palestinian Resistance Literature. The book narrates the author’s own experience of dispossession in Sheikh Jarrah--an infamous neighborhood in Jerusalem, Palestine, whose population of refugees continues to live on the brink of homelessness at the hands of the Israeli government and US-based settler organizations. The book, named after the author’s late grandmother who was forced to flee from Haifa upon the genocidal establishment of Israel, makes the observation that home takeovers and demolitions across historical Palestine are not reminiscent of 1948 Nakba, but are in fact a continuation of it: a legalized, ideologically-driven practice of ethnic cleansing.

Israel Poems offers readers an intimate journey through the heart and soul of Israel, as seen through the lens of a devoted rabbi. Through passionate poetic reflection, Rabbi Menachem Creditor weaves together a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and observations that celebrate the complexity and beauty of the homeland Jews have held dear for thousands of years. From the bustling streets of Tel Aviv to the spiritually intoxicating air of Jerusalem, this collection is a testament to a deep connection to Israel and its people. Spanning themes of love, loss, faith, and resilience, Israel Poems offers a multifaceted exploration of the multifaceted Israeli experience. For anyone who has ever felt the pull of Israel's ancient soil, or longed to understand its profound modern significance, Israel Poems is an essential companion. With each poem, Rabbi Creditor invites readers to embark on a deeply personal journey-one that will resonate long after the final page is turned. "Rabbi Menachem Creditor's beautiful book, Israel Poems, evinces a deep love relationship with Israel and with the Jewish People. The poetry reveals an expressive and struggling Jewish soul, one that exhibits a keen sense of being a part of history, an appreciation of the holiness of simple day-to-day life in Israel, and yet, an understanding that nothing is simple. Rabbi Creditor's broken heart for post-October 7th Israel, for the Jewish People, and for each of us -- imbued with fear, and tinged with hope -- is a statement about where we are today as a people. His words are at once poetry and prayer, infused with echoes of our sacred literature. This poetry is a love letter to Israel, one that considers the meaning of "home," acknowledges pain and struggle, and looks toward an unknown and yet certain future. It is a love letter that many of us need right now." - Dr. Ora Horn Prouser, CEO and Academic Dean, Academy for Jewish Religion "In this soulful writing, readers will find expression of feelings that they themselves hold deep inside. Rabbi Creditor evocatively blends the sacred with the mundane, echoes of the Jewish past with the blessing/challenges of a unique present, and the twin feelings of deep belonging and the yearning to belong of many diaspora Jews. This collection is a gift to so many of us, whose hearts are so filled with emotion during this painful time." - Dr. Elana Stein Hain, Rosh Beit Midrash, Senior Research Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

This compilation of poems is by a 12-year-old. It is a comprehensive look into Israel's life, trials, tribulations, and discoveries - an exploration of the unique power of the Most High God working in his life. Anyone who has been mistreated or suffered a loss of a loved one can will, and most likely relate to this book.

"Winner of the 2010 Main Street Rag Poetry Book Award."

When Kathy Mor moved to Israel from the U.S. with her husband and children, she embarked upon a life changing experience as a non-Hebrew speaking American living and raising her family in the Middle East. She recorded her observations, struggles, questions, and wonderment through poetry. This collection of poems is a combination of the poetry created while living in Israel, plus poetry written upon her return to the States.