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Hebrew Poetry
The group is reading, translating and discussing the poetry of the modern Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai - in Hebrew and English. Amichai makes use of biblical/prayer language more than many contemporary Hebrew poets. His wonderfully startling and penetrating images and moods are painted using unpretentious, straightforward language. For these reasons his poetry is accessible in Hebrew to those of us with only a modicum (really!) of Hebrew in our bellies. He is a real treat.
Everything is done "in class" - no preparation required beforehand. We are reading "Open, Closed, Open," which is available in paperback in English and in separate Hebrew volume ("Patuach, Sagur, Patuach") from, among others,www.sifrutake.com (also available as volume 5 of his collected poems). Copies of English and Hebrew are available in class for all.
The group began in 2004-2005 reading from Amichai's poem of "Gods Change; Prayers Are Here to Stay" in his volume "Open, Closed, Open", which is a favorite of Rabbi Zemel and others. We have also read the bilingual volume, Poems of Jerusalem.
The discussion is fun and rewarding. Come join the group for one or more sessions.
Meetings are generally on the first and third Saturdays of each month, for an hour and a quarter or so after services (~12:45 p.m. or ~12:15 p.m. during the summer). However, these dates vary because of holiday and travel schedules.
Hebrew Poetry maintains a small GoogleGroup to share information on current readings, occasional schedule changes, upcoming events of interest and other resources. Email Hebrew Poetry to join the e-group.Article from April 2005 Vine describes group.
Read Vine article about the trip of members of the group to attend a Yale University conference on Amichai in October 2007.
Here are some web resources for gaining proficiency in Hebrew:
- http://milon.morfix.co.il/
(for instant translations of Hebrew to English; click on
"makledet"--top left Hebrew word--to get Hebrew alphabet keyboard and
the click on letters and click on "Targum"--to left of search box on
main screen--to get various translations)
- Milingua (subscription series)
Here is more information about Amichai
- Home page of sorts
- many poems in English (and a few annoying ads)
- Wiki Amichai
Mark Your Calendar
Saturday, March 20, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, April 3, 2010. 12:15 pm - 01:45 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, April 17, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, May 1, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, May 15, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, June 5, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"
Saturday, June 19, 2010. 12:30 pm - 02:00 pm. Hebrew Poetry at TM/Menorah room (downstairs). Poetry of Yehuda Amichai, in Hebrew and English, from "Open, Closed, Open"