Kobi Oz & Rabbi Nissim Messika: Elohay (with educational guide)
Video
Jewish Peoplehood and Culture
English
This post presents “Elohay” by Kobi Oz, along with a printable educational guide including the Hebrew and English lyrics, explanatory footnotes for the lyrics, and guiding discussion questions. Written as an ode and duet to his deceased grandfather, a Tunisian rabbi and paytan, the song raises important questions about Judaism in Israeli society, such as religious coercion and pluralism, trends toward extremism, and the challenges of forming a personal relationship with God. This song is from Oz’s album “Psalms for the Perplexed,” which mixes Jewish ideas and liturgy with secular sensibilities. The educational resources were created by the educational wing of the Jewish Agency, Makom, an organization that empowers community leaders to craft honest programming that embraces the vibrant complexity of Israel.