Renowned educator Rachel Korazim takes us through selected poems of Nathan Alterman that explore complexity and the possibility of holding commitment and criticism—and more than one truth—at the same time. For more than three decades, Alterman responded in poetry to the events shaping Jewish and Israeli history. Deeply committed to Zionism and the Jewish state, he nevertheless insisted on confronting questions of justice, and human dignity. Together we will discuss poems that address Israel’s responsibility toward Arabs. The program will conclude with havdalah.
Light refreshments will be served.
The poems presented in this session come from The Mirror of the Times, a new bilingual Hebrew-English anthology of Alterman’s work. The collection presents a carefully curated selection of 67 poems reflecting his engagement with the historical, social,and moral questions of his time. These poems offer a unique way to encounter history through the eyes of a poet who was both a committed participant and a critical observer. The project was spearheaded by Rachel Korazim together with the Department of Jewish Peoplehood in the Office of the Vice Chair of the World Zionist Organization, Dr. Yizhar Hess.
Dr. Rachel Korazim is a leading Jewish educator and internationally renowned teacher of Israeli literature, known for bringing Hebrew poetry to life for diverse audiences around the world. Through her teaching and the global online learning community she founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has helped thousands engage deeply with Israeli culture and moral discourse.
