Why Torah Limericks?

Over the course of the past two years, I have taken up the hobby (more of an obsession really) of writing a Limerick for every Torah weekly portion in the Jewish calendar. I'm not exactly sure WHY I have done this. But, I've enjoyed it- and from the feedback I've received on my facebook page, others have enjoyed them as well. After a few weak attempts to get them published in a book form, I've decided that I'd try out the format of a blog to share my efforts.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about the facebook posts is when others have posted their responses to my limericks with their own. Feel free to do so on this blog as well.


The rules of this blog are but few
To post, here is what you must do:
Find a rhyme exegetical
Doctrinal or heretical
Be you Christian, Muslim or Jew.


I look forward to the conversation.
LET THE LIMERICKS BEGIN!!!!!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Balak Limerick

This week's parasha tells the story of Balak, the Moabite king who hired the pagan prophet, Bilam to curse the Israelites. Bilam, as the story goes, could only say the words that God put in his mouth. As a result, instead of cursing, he gave us the beautiful blessing: Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael! How goodly are your tents, oh Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel!
I love the fact that when we are beginning our prayers with these words we are quoting a gentile.
---------

Balak, he tried to suppress
The power that Israel possessed
He hired Bilam
To curse them and run
But instead of a curse they got blessed
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4 comments:

  1. Lia haYotzeret (potter.former)July 4, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Joe --really Sweet-- and now I am with you, here- & on this Day of Freedom-- Ma Tovu, How Good--and how much more Work to do!

    (I'll have to work on the limerick part, but even i can see a few potential rhymes in there!)

    Take care my friend, and we shall stay in touch,

    LIA

    ReplyDelete
  2. Larry KaufmanJuly 4, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    This week, on the parasha clock,
    It's time for Balaam and Balak.
    The tale is quite funky --
    God speaks through a donkey,
    Which comes as a bit of a shock.

    ReplyDelete
  3. HamodiaJuly 4, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    Very inspiring story. Great work my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Miriam JayneJuly 11, 2011 at 7:38 AM

    The perfect limerick turn-around at the end! Thanks, enjoyed this a lot.

    ReplyDelete

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