Highway 61 Revisited
The Hebrew calendar (luach) reboots tonight, bringing us to the new moon of Tishrei and the year 5768. Over the next two days, synagogues will feature readings of the story about Abraham reluctantly attempting to sacrifice his son Isaac (Akedah) for the sake of a divine test.
Bob Dylan sets his midrash on the Akedah along the road that runs down the middle of mythical America, Highway 61, where by no small coincidence Robert Johnson dealt his soul to Satan for the greater good of The Blues....
God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son,"
Abe said, "Man you must be putting me on."
God said, "No," Abe said, "What?"
God said, "You can do what you want to,
But the next time you see me coming you better run."
Abe said, "Where you want this killing done?"
God said, "Out on Highway 61."
Altogether a fine meditation on Life's great complementary polar opposites, free will and blind obedience.
Whatever calendar we follow, may we find something sweet to savor and share in the coming year.





Zionista:
Thanks for bringing it home. . .via Highway 61.
L'Shana Tova.
Bruce
September 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Backatcha, Bruce! "The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense. Take what you have gathered from coincidence...."
Gut Yontif und gut yahr
September 12, 2007 10:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
L'shanah tovah to both you and Bruce. I am using this time for reflection and have tried to stay out of the Israel/Palestinian wars on this site. I have been gone for most of the summer visiting my children and grandchildren around the globe (India, Belgium and Hong Kong)and the visits were very rewarding.
It broke my heart to not visit Israel this year for the first time in 41 years but I am keeping my promise (at least for a while longer until I break down) to not return until there is substantive progress on a peace agreement. Both of you take care of yourselves. Shalom
September 12, 2007 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
L'Shanah tovah to you as well jdledell. Sorry I didn't see this earlier but I wasn't posting during the holiday. All the best to you and your globe-trotting family. Only sweet things.
Bruce
September 14, 2007 7:49 PM | Reply | Permalink