‘By the Rivers of Babylon’ and the rest of Psalm 137 has been a musical favorite for centuries, a yearning for hope and for shelter -- but it was the Disco hit of Boney M in the 1970's that brought “biblical liturgy to the dancefloors of Europe perhaps for the first time.” The story and the history of this hit and this psalm is fascinating enough to get its own fascinating
It's the ninth verse that you haven't brought here that is truly appalling. I used to read this psalm without understanding the end, and when I did understand the last verse, I was so deeply shocked. I stopped ever reading it. And you seem to have edited it out, maybe worrying it would be too much for people. But I think it's important because there are many who feel and justify verse eight but there can be no justification for verse nine and it is important to remember that the mentality of verse eight leads to the mentality of verse nine if we don't stop ourselves from going there NO MATTER WHAT.
Thank you bring a diligent and thoughtful reader, Abi. yes, I left v. 9 out because it feels too triggering right now, and much too close to hurting at home. We def. have lots to do and heal as we read what we inherited and move from here to a kinder, loving way of life, no matter what.. here's hoping.
Thank YOU so much for your writings. I'm a queer woman and peacemaker from a dati leumi background in the holy land. And I wrestle with finding my place in Judaism and Judaism's place in me... I discovered you on Erev Shavuot and signed up to Below the Bible belt. And it's so reassuring and strengthening to learn from someone who has walked this path before me. My path will be my own but it's easier because of people like you. You help me keep my heart open to Torah and to Hashem as well as to people everywhere and this kindness we so need.
It's the ninth verse that you haven't brought here that is truly appalling. I used to read this psalm without understanding the end, and when I did understand the last verse, I was so deeply shocked. I stopped ever reading it. And you seem to have edited it out, maybe worrying it would be too much for people. But I think it's important because there are many who feel and justify verse eight but there can be no justification for verse nine and it is important to remember that the mentality of verse eight leads to the mentality of verse nine if we don't stop ourselves from going there NO MATTER WHAT.
Thank you bring a diligent and thoughtful reader, Abi. yes, I left v. 9 out because it feels too triggering right now, and much too close to hurting at home. We def. have lots to do and heal as we read what we inherited and move from here to a kinder, loving way of life, no matter what.. here's hoping.
Thank YOU so much for your writings. I'm a queer woman and peacemaker from a dati leumi background in the holy land. And I wrestle with finding my place in Judaism and Judaism's place in me... I discovered you on Erev Shavuot and signed up to Below the Bible belt. And it's so reassuring and strengthening to learn from someone who has walked this path before me. My path will be my own but it's easier because of people like you. You help me keep my heart open to Torah and to Hashem as well as to people everywhere and this kindness we so need.
Only because I grew up on the original version of this song in Kingston, Jamaica. And of course I'll tell you my father loved this song.... https://youtu.be/BXf1j8Hz2bU?si=0ZRpeRE0r1M3kHZj