Parsha Poems is the newest book to hit the stores just in time for Kinus HaShluchim and Chanukah.
The book features a beautifully written poem for each week’s parsha based upon the teachings of the Rebbe. The poems are short, easy to read and geared for adults and families to enjoy. “The poems are heartfelt,” says bestselling author Joseph Telushkin, “with a beautiful warm spirit and a lot of intelligence and creativity.”
The poems bring across deep concepts in Chassidus through the use of vivid imagery. In the words of renowned Chassidus lecturer Rabbi Shais Taub; “The author’s creativity and passion for Chassidic teachings shine in every verse”.
Whether for community members, family, friends or yourself, Parsha Poems is a perfect gift item. Donors have already really appreciated this wonderful book. George Rohr has complimented this as “A beautiful and inspiring project.”
Parsha Poems is written by Chana Nesenoff (nee Engel) originally from Melbourne, Australia and now Miami Beach, FL. She has been writing and perfecting these poems over the past 6 years.
Parsha Poems is available in Judaica World and Hamafitz and can be ordered at parshapoems.com. Get a 10% discount with code COLLIVE. They can also be ordered in bulk for heavily discounted rates through parshapoems.com.
Truly Alive / Excerpt from Parsha Poems – Parshas Chayei Sara
And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years [Genesis 23:1]
There’s a patient whom I visit in the hospital ICU,
She’s in critical condition, and she might not make it through.
Although she blinks instead of speaking, there’s a twinkle in her eye,
Yes, a woman who has lost all movement may be more alive than I.
Some people sleep three hours, yet they wake up with a snap,
Others watch TV all morning and then need to go and nap.
Are we alive because we have not yet, been hit by a car?
Or because we live life with vitality – it’s simply who we are?
Life. It beats within us all, yet eludes us just as much, Life.
We all contain it, yet it’s way beyond our touch.
Is it only for the living? Do the living all have life?
And how can something so intangible be severed by a knife?
This parsha describes how our matriarch, Sarah, was laid to final rest,
Yet its title “Life of Sarah” seems strangely out of context.
But in fact, this seeming contradiction, comes especially to define,
That the very essence of “life” lives beyond the confines of time.
If a fact can be disproven, then it was never truth,
If a marriage can be divorced, then it was lacking in their youth.
If death can extinguish life, and life does not survive,
Then one may have been existing but never truly alive.
Sarah’s whole reality was for a deeper goal,
Beyond her material existence – she was tuned into her soul.
She lived a life beyond the physical, so once her body’s gone,
Everything she stood for, her identity lived on.
Her home was always open, her heart unlocked to share,
She taught, inspired, influenced, leaving countless spiritual heirs.
She sowed, she planted, watered, bore fruits from the ground,
Her legacy still sprouts today; in her children’s seeds it’s found.
The parsha is titled “Life of Sarah” when we see her die,
Specifically to teach us which rules she chose to live by.
Her life, her drive, her energy, is one that had no finish,
Because she lived the kind of life that even death could not diminish.
If we stop the focus on just existing, rather live with spiritual vitality,
Then we have unlocked the hidden key to a life of immortality.
Go Chana!! Best Shlucha from Mayanot!!!
YG
Great idea and concept. Looks beautiful and Chana’s writings are always masterpieces!
Have loved reading these poems since they first were sent out each week.
Will definitely be buying this book!
Beautifully well written. This poem is more for tweens and up. Great to read at the Shabbos table to engage everyone in a parsha lesson discussion. I look fw to buying the book.
Moving and inspiring
Wow so true strong deep and gifted!!;