There are many beggars in Israel. Beggars can be an annoyance but I try not to be judgmental because, (although I have certainly gone tough, financial times) never have I suffered the kind of poverty that forced me into the streets to ask for money. I try to keep in mind an old, familiar saying, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”
Having said that, there were a good deal of interesting observations regarding Jerusalem solicitation, some, quite humorous. Rather than share all stories at once, I will spread them out and sprinkle them between other blogs.
I have toured the old city of Jerusalem three different times now, each with a different tour guide, each with a different emphasis and each time soaking in new sights. But on two of these days, on the exact same stone steps, stood an enthusiastic, middle aged Israeli, playing the violin. Next to him: A plate for donations. Naturally we see this sort of thing all the time in San Diego, downtown or at Balboa Park. Much to my surprise, rather than playing authentic Israeli music, the musician was instead offering one pop selection after another from Fiddler on the Roof. Now, I should say, I love Fiddler on the Roof. It is one of my favorite musicals, especially the movie version. I also enjoy the brilliant score and yes, the fanciful tunes display a distinctively Jewish style, at least within the Russian/European flavor of Judaism. But in the ancient city, close to the temple mount, I had to ask myself, “Why music from the 1960’s created to sound like the days of the pogroms of Russia on the eve of the Communist Revolution?”
It only took me a second of two to figure it out. These guys make their living off of tourists. They figure most tourists from around the world (Americans especially) would recognize Fiddler on the Roof. Indeed, that might be the tourist’s only experience with “Jewish music.” As a matter of fact, it might be the only Jewish music they have ever heard!
While admiring the cleverness of this talented street urchin, smiling at the suckers who passed by and tipped him for songs that some of them may have thought were the Israeli national anthem simply because they recognized it, I was suddenly broadsided by a burst of humility: How much Jewish music do I know? I am Jewish after all. Well..Um..Let’s see…There’s Exodus, written by an American for an American motion picture. I love Exodus! It’s my favorite piece of music. As a matter of fact I believe it is the most beautiful music ever written. I felt that way even as a kid when I first heard the instrumental piece. I knew nothing about the movie as a nine-year old, experiencing its haunting, melodic themes. But somehow, the music affected me in deep and profound ways. Today, understanding a bit more, Exodus makes me think about God and makes me think about Israel. It is a privilege to play Exodus as the theme of my radio show. So yes! Absolutely! I do know some Jewish music, or a least a chunk of notes created to invoke feelings about the Promised Land. OK. That’s one! Exodus! Yes sir! Exodus! What else? Well, let me see…There have been many, of course. But I guess the next one that comes to my mind would be…Ah…Um…Fiddler on the Roof.
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