For days and days of work of the last two weeks I have be compelled to listen to a music project called Pomplamoose. Nataly Dawn is the singer, and I decided to go to her YouTube page. There I think the song Dying to Live found me. It is simple and clear questioning. This song is brilliant in that it is a social commentary and a quiet call to arms. The poetry of it resonates with me just as a psalm would. It starts:

We don’t always see eye to eye
But we see how the time’s flying by
And we live with a daunting suspicion
That it might not go into remission

This stanza points out so many frames of mind that the world is in. In becoming a more tolerant society we must agree that we don’t always agree, and that is ok. This is the human condition and we must work to create peace with in its turmoil. She most defiantly queries the great struggle of life. She sings, “We’re dying to live/Cause there’s so much to live for”, I feel that speaks to the lethargy this generation has for change compared to many of our ancestors. We see the rewards of life but are stuck in the struggle of an individual in society.

Miracles don’t seem all that fair
If I were G-d I would know who to scare

I think this is a state many of us are stuck in. We are dealing with everyday struggles and can only do so from a human perspective. She posits a great idea in looking to the reaction a deity would have. If you were an all powerful, all knowing being, would you know who to scare? Would your message be heard? Would you have Joan of Arc cry your name in battle or would you seek a passive way to get your message across? Maybe a prophet?

Angels always get the best lines
Fear not must have worked back in biblical times

The Angels do get the best lines. There is one in particular that had a most important line. He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, because you have commanding power with [an angel of] God and with men, and you have prevailed.” (Gen 32:29) This is the conclusion of one of the most important events in the bible. The moment that affirms ones right to wrestle with Hashem. Though the words of texts may be out of date, if we looked closer we might find many unimagined things. Looking back may help us find our “fear not”.

But we’re full of the facts it’s the cross on our backs
When we pray are we just closing our eyes

Knowing all the facts we do, knowing that if we do not change our ways the earth cannot continue. We must look to acting ethically, practicing eco-kashrut, or whatever act we can do to slow this train before we jump the track. Are we praying with intent? Even if we are does it help the world? Have we closed our eyes in frustration? It all comes down to the repeating call:

We’re dying to live
Cause there’s so much to live for

What are you living for?

Rivka