The Life and Poetry of Rachel the Poet

Description

Rachel Bluwstein (1890 – 1931), known in Israel as Rachel the Poet, wrote some of the most beautiful lyric poetry in modern Hebrew literature. Born in Russia, she was already writing poetry when she immigrated to Israel at age 19. Rachel attended agricultural school on the shores of the Kineret (Sea of Galilee), which often serves as the main theme or background of her poems. Her work expresses a profound love for the Land of Israel and captures the pioneering spirit of the Second Aliyah, but it is often mingled with a deep sense of loneliness, distance, and longing - Rachel was forced to leave her Kibbutz after she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Most of her poetry was published during the last six years of her life while living in Tel Aviv. Many of Rachel’s poems were set to music, and have been recorded by Israel’s leading singers. The anthologies of Rachel’s poetry remain bestsellers in Israel and many of her poems were set to music, and have been recorded by Israel’s leading singers.

Rivka Amado introduces the life and work of Rachel the Poet through songs, music, poetry, and stories. The talk will be in English, while the poetry and songs will be in Hebrew, with English translations provided.

Born in Holon, Israel, Rivka Amado grew up in a Ladino-speaking home where she learned traditional melodies from her grandmother. Since moving to Berkeley in 2004, she has dedicated much of her time to researching Sephardic culture and performing traditional Ladino music. Her CD, Hija Mia, a collection of Ladino songs, was released in 2009.

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