Tzipora Jochsberger, Founder of Jewish Arts School 1920-2017

Before action there are words
Before words there is thought
It won’t happen without a verb
And just thinking leads to naught
 
Words can be the end itself
And phrases can be passive
But she heard a voice deeply felt
And it saved her from the ashes
 
“You are not very advanced
But you are very musical”
When someone give us half a chance
There is nothing quite as beautiful
 
She’d gone to Berlin for an audition
Conservatory in Palestine
And when she got in, her parents didn’t listen
“Don’t worry dear we’ll be fine”
 
But she could see where that led
And said, “Mama, Papa come with me”
But  the last words they ever read
Were “Work sets you free”
 
Tzipora still was just a girl
When she heard the news of them
Then she decided to change the world
And so she left Jerusalem
 
In New York City, cultural mentor
Music serves to save the soul
Founded the Hebrew Arts Center
This year, 3,000 kids enrolled
 
Without that phrase from long ago
In the beginning was the word
All that’s occurred would not be so
So much music never heard
 
So maybe it’s time to take a chance
And leave your cubicle
You don’t have to be advanced
You are very musical!
 
And beautiful

Now there’s a thought
but it needs a little traction
words to the scene are brought:
lights camera action

Thanks to The NY Times obituary by Richard Sandomir.

 

Throughout November I am writing a poem a day in an effort to raise money for The Center for New Americans, an organization that is located in Western Massachusetts and does great work in acclimating our new citizens to their new homes.

You may help by going here.

If you appreciate my efforts and my work please share.

Also, most of you know I am moving to Oregon at the end of the year. Before I leave I will bedoing two shows.  Both will be in Amherst at the NACUL Center at 7:00 on November 30 and December 7. Proceeds will benefit The Center for New Americans.

I will be joined by these fine musicians: Joe Ricker, Andrew Atkin, Dave Haughey, Billy Klock and Dan Thomas.

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