M4. Reflect & Connect

We have learned in this unit that poems are quite valuable, not only because of their deep and skillfully written words, but because they can reveal certain ideas or events in history that help uncover what life was like in the time that they were written. Poems are scrupulously written, each word carefully chosen and placed. This enables us to find many meanings and messages woven within them which we can interpret and use to discover the goings-on of their times. The poems discussed below were expertly written by the talented poet, Yehuda Halevi, and indicate some ideas of the state and development of both Islamic society as a whole and the Jews who lived within it.


Yehuda Halevi's "A Doe Far From Home" could be one of two things: a reflection of the Jews' lives in Spain in Halevi's time, or a sort of reassurance and encouragement to Jews who might be doubting their religion.
The words, "That graceful doe so far from her home" appear to be referring to the Jews as the graceful doe, who is far away from her home- Israel. Halevi proceeds to write that the doe "...is laughing although her beloved is angry. Her laughter's aimed at the daughters of Edom and Hagar- who long for him with envy." This could indicate that the other religions who populated Spain in Halevi's time: Christians, who are descendants of Edom, and Muslims, who come from Hagar, yearn for the Jews' "beloved". This term most likely refers to G-d, as the poem states that He is angry at the doe, or the Jews. This would make sense, considering He has just punished them for severely sinning to Him.
The poem continues, "How could desert asses compare to a doe who leaned once on her hart? Where are their prophecies? Where is their lamp? Where is His Presence above the Ark?" These verses could either be the arguments Jews at this time use against Muslims or Christians who challenge their religion, or it could be a proof to uncertain Jews that they truly are G-d's chosen nation. Halevi's use of rhetorical questions here is a skillful way to create a solid argument.
The last verse, which, unlike the rest of the poem, is written in first person, sends a powerful message. "Don't seek, my foes, to smother this love, whose flame your envy only fans." Writing this statement in first person makes it a lot more direct and strong. Halevi advises other nations, who might try to stifle the Jews' relationship with G-d out of envy, not to attempt this, as it will only cause the love between them to become stronger. He uses a clever analogy to relay this message, comparing this love to a flame which will only increase if others try to damage it, as a fire would if one fanned it.

The poem, "Heal Me, Lord" may sound somewhat liturgical, but it does provide some indications to the developments of society in Halevi's time. We see this when he writes, "All my balms and potions are yours to guide" and, "It isn't medicine on which I rely". These both show that Halevi must live in a time when there are scientific innovations and discoveries which lead to the development of medicine. However, he makes very clear that it is not the medicine that decides whether a person will recover or not, but G-d. He writes, "All my balms and potions are yours to guide to weakness or to vigor."
It is quite possible that in this time of amazing scientific discoveries, the Jews in Spain might have begun to forget that G-d is behind everything. At this time, when many people are being cured by new medicines, they might have overlooked the fact that the well-being of these people is not in humans' hands. This poem might have served as a reminder to them, a reality check, that medicine isn't the real cure; it all depends on G-d.
With the last verse, Halevi expresses his complete dependence on G-d, saying, "It isn't medicine on which I rely- I look instead toward your cure." He seems to be relaying the message of the words from the Torah, "...My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth" (Deut 8:17). These are the words the Torah uses to express what a Jew would say if he forgot G-d and was too involved in worldly matters. Although the scientific breakthroughs at this time were very beneficial, they also likely caused some Jews to stray and not recognize G-d's hand in their lives. This poem was probably a helpful reminder to them about who was truly in charge.
The words, "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed. Don't let me perish in your anger" could suggest that Halevi himself is sick and is recognizing that G-d is the only one who can truly help him recover and is therefore asking Him to be cured.
We see in this poem that Halevi refers to G-d using the term "you". This makes it more personal, direct, intimate. It makes it seem as if G-d is close by and that He is approachable. The shortness of the poem helps to make Halevi's point clear. It is straightforward and concise, sending a critical message to those who read it.