Patterns
A Galus Collection
A collection about galus and the patterns of history is by nature a mini-one: no one can do 10 of those at once. You might be looking for one book, something to take you through Shabbos Chazon, late nights during the nine days, or Tishah B’av afternoon. So I chose one to focus on and took the liberty to talk about it more than usual. It’s not necessarily the best option, but the newest and will be appreciated by the widest audience.
Some historical fiction zooms deep into a moment, capturing a specific mood in time. Song of Redemption presents the full thread of history, swooping way back to a broad view of four consecutive generations and a complete cycle of destruction and renewal. It brings a sharp perspective to the Churban and a resonance that will resonate and inspire.
You might know Zecharya Hoffman from Dual Discovery, a beloved historical novel set during Shibud Mitzrayim. It’s become a classic for educators, teens, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in a fundamental part of our history. Song of Redemption does all that for the period of the Churban, but ambitiously tackles more, with strong themes and subtle intrigue.
We enter the scene as three teens narrowly escape their Babylonian captors during the first exile of King Yechanya, taking with them a cumbersome load that can not reach the wrong hands. When they arouse dangerous attention along their journey, they leave the trunk with a kind Kohen nestled in the hills of Ephraim and craft a complex code that will ensure it is returned to the right hands. The subtle suspense that will weave through the rest of the pages is established upfront, and as we settle in for a family saga, the friends retreat to the periphery, holding the disparate plotlines together.
It is the story of Nesanel, a young man brought close to the young King Tzidkiyahu to provide friendship and advice. Yerushalayim is shrouded in confusion as prophets and elites vie for relevance with conflicting versions of the future. Nesanel is alone amongst the king’s advisors to recognize the validity of Yirmiyahu’s words.
“So what shall we do? Shall we mourn a destruction that has not yet happened…? Surely it would be better to let our people live in peace and focus on observing Hashem’s commandments joyously. Why darken our lives with grim predictions instead of concentrating on Hashem’s kindness?”
He tries desperately to persuade those around him of the upcoming doom, but their ears are closed, refusing to acknowledge anything but the optimistic voices that provide temporary comfort. As the situation worsens, Nesanel’s warnings fall on deaf ears, and he is helpless in the face of the horrific conditions that befall his family. The destruction is presented in its worst details, and we witness starvation, desperation, and greediness.
As the story progresses into the 70 years of Galus Bavel, we witness the burden left on a broken generation as they rebuild: the agony on the first tishah b’av, the hesitation to allow themselves any joy at all, the stark relief of each flash of hashgacha provides, and Nesanel’s attempts to pass on his memories to the next generation of what was. As the years come to a close, we meet the next generation returning to Yerushalayim after King Koresh’s surprising allowance. After getting over the shock of seeing Yerushalayim in ruins, Yehotzadak and his family are eager to begin their work, but face the cunning Cushim doing all they can to prevent the rebuilding.
Far from a linear drama working up toward a rebuilt mikdash, we experience a cycle where the community falls, deteriorates and repents, despairs, and regains hope. The pattern feels familiar to anyone with an eye for history, and we see the emotional and spiritual reflection of the futile efforts that went toward the building. The combination of history, tanach, intrigue, and emotion makes Song of Redemption approachable and enjoyable for readers. Relatable emotion brings an understanding to the modern reader, highlighting familiar patterns that connect us to the repetition of history.
More Reads for This Time of Year
Nezirah, Tzirel Greenberg - Bayis Rishon: Fast-moving and engaging narrative nonfiction that tells the story of a queen who leaves her nation behind and converts, painting a vibrant picture of Eretz Yisrael just before the Churban
Chains, Leah Gebber - Churban Bayis Rishon: nuanced and personal view a Jewish princess turned Roman slave, her rebellious husband, and choking cousin. Exquisite writing that will satisfy the snobbiest reader. Opens your eyes to a depth of experience
The Harp, Meir Uri Gottesman - Churban Bayis Rishon: ancient and intense, illustrating the destruction and desperation of the churban through a delicate shepherd caught between power, politics, and his wife waiting back home.
Stranger to My Brothers, Henye Meyer - Crusades: intriguing and horrifying as we get an up-close look at the effect of the Crusades, colorful and detailed in the broader world the characters live in. Similar in style to Who is Like Your People
My Name is Isaiah, Debbie Strom - Inquisition: fast-paced and suspenseful adventure, a young man discovers his true heritage and must grapple with his identity while protecting those closest to him
Forever My Jerusalem, Puah Shteiner - 1948 War of Independance: vivid and easy-to-read memoir of a sensitive child’s experiences, told through the perspective of today
Last year, we shared a collection of holocaust reading: the classics, the broader view, and new perspectives. Find the collection at the link below. (No access? Hit reply to request a pdf version.)
