Zalman's Dilemma

Shalom Fellow Israelite,

Last Friday we presented you with a description of a condition endemic to Judah, and also pointed out a biblical pattern that could be relevant to our day and age, by which Judah is ‘led’ to his place in YHVH’s redemption plan. This week, we would like to share something from Judah’s point of view, revealing a certain awakening that is taking place here in the land. Very often in the Israeli “scene,” certain popular lyricists and musicians become the voice of the nation, or of the “nation’s soul”, reflecting not only a “mood”, but also deeper realities of soul, spirit and longing. Such was, for example, Naomi Shemer, the writer and composer of Jerusalem of Gold (and many more very meaningful songs), as were several others who have passed away in recent years.

Last month we attended the opening event of a “Jewish festival” in the neighboring town of Kfar Sabah. The festival touched on Jewish themes, but was not centered necessarily on religion, which is what made it interesting and diverse. The opening was in a form of a musical performance by three musicians. One of those was popular songwriter and performer Kobi Oz. 

Kobi Oz often presents daily issues (dilemmas, social conditions and more) that mark our lives, and does so in his unique style. In spite of the serious subject matters, his songs are usually humorous, bordering on satire, the music is rhythmic and energetic while his stage personality is quite ‘mischievous’. He likes to perform in ‘clown fashion’ reminiscent, for example, of the clowns in the Shakespearean plays whose jesting is the means by which the truth is exposed in contrast to the other more serious but frequently blinded characters. Kobi is perhaps also the proverbial child who cries out, “the king is naked.” In the said event, among several other very powerful songs that he brought to the stage, there was one which was quite revealing as to a certain awakening that is happening at the moment among the people of “Judah”, an awakening that is mostly free of “rabbinicism” and in which there is a yearning for a purer truth. Whereas most are not necessarily alert and conscious of this undercurrent, those who are sensitive, like Kobi Oz, pick it up and bring it to the fore.

The song addresses a character by the name of Zalman (a derivative or version of Shlomo – Solomon – in several languages), a name that is associated with “nerd-ism,” if you will, but here the character is the ultimate “Everyman.” Kobi, in his typical way, had to weave in some humor and does so by the usage of this name. The lyrics are in every day speech, making use of some slang. While the translation is far from perfect, it is an attempt to “clue you in” to your brother’s heart.

Zalman That Ain’t You

Wondering in the world, not free of confusion,

Zalman asked himself, “who am I and what’s the conclusion?”

 “I am a farmer; I own lots of land,

I manage it all, without a lending hand.

I grow fruits and veggies and am in charge over all -

I cultivate, I water and am in full control.

Then a voice spoke to Zalman and said:

“That ain’t you Zalman. The “shemita” year is here

Without your work the fields are a-blooming, have no fear.”  

 You are not your land,

You are simply Zalman, and that’s where it’s at.

Zalman called around, here and there

Saying to himself: “Time is at my command,

All I have to do is pick up the phone

And every thing lines up, without a bone.

Reputation, career, shares and stocks

All’s ticking for me around the clock

Nothing will take me by surprise,

I am good and ready for any event 

But, oops… a voice suddenly was heard:

“It is not you Zalman

Behold Shabbat is coming to the world!

Time for you to take your rest,

As one of those who recite their prayers.”

You are not your status

Neither are you your land,

You are simply Zalman and that’s where it’s at!

Zalman took a good look at his virtuous wife

As if to protect her, together they had a very good life.

“I’ve been her husband for many years,

And we are still two peas in a pod

Our family is indeed something to behold!

Yes, she is a trooper, true and fair     

And who am I? I am her husband, sir!”  

A voice was then heard which said:

“Zalman that ain’t you!

You are greatly mistaken

If you think that she is by you taken

Your wife, she keeps nida

You are not her owner now

You are not her master

Nor are you your status or your land,

You are simply Zalman and that’s where it’s at!

Zalman lay in his lazyboy

Looking outside the window

He was filled with joy:

“My home is my castle

Where I am free of hassle”

Again that voice spoke quite loud:

Zalman that ain’t you, and don’t you be so proud!

Go outside and at the succah take a look

Don’t let your riches grab you with a hook.

The twinkling stars gazing from the sky

 Into the succah, should remind you Who reigns on high.

You are not your home,

Your wife you do not own

Neither are you your status, or your land,

You are simply Zalman, and that’s where it’s at! 

At his father’s bedside Zalman did ask,

“How can I define myself and my task?”
The wise sage answered him and said:

“You are my son,” and then farewell he bade.

The father in the ground was buried.

His grandson his name then carried

But Zalman was still in sore confusion

Desiring an answer or some resolution

And again the voice spoke out:

“Zalman you are constantly in doubt
You can’t tell the difference between ‘things’

And the very life that resides within

You must be able to distinguish

Between your work and the essence of your being

You are not possessions,

You are not success,

Neither are you your environment,

You are simply Zalman, and that’s where it’s at!

We can see that the lyricist was able to tell Zalman who and what he is not.

He is also able to place before him Torah truths, which point to YHVH’s reality as the One who is in control of land, time, the environment, family members, home, possessions etc. (through shmita, Shabbat, succah, nida).  However, it is clear that he cannot place before Zalman the “mirror” reflecting the “new creation man”; the only image that would ultimately clear away all of Zalman’s doubts and confusion and set him free.

Ephraim and Rimona