Who By Fire

Listen while you read: for Yom Kippur

And who by fire, who by water
Who in the sunshine, who in the night time
Who by the high ordeal, who by common trial
Who in your merry, merry month of May
Who by very slow decay
And who shall I say is calling?

And who in her lonely slip, who by barbiturate
Who in these realms of love, who by something blunt
And who by avalanche, who by powder
Who of his greed, who for his hunger
And who shall I say is calling?

And who by brave assent, who by accident
Who in solitude, who in this mirror
Who by his lady's command, who by his own hand
Who in mortal chains, who in power
And who shall I say is calling?
And who shall I say is calling?

~  Leonard Cohen

There have been many times during the year of writing this blog that I have had to do research on some event connected to the songs I've selected. I've learned a thing or two by doing so, and today is no exception. The holiest day of the year in Judaism, Yom Kippur is also known as the Day of Atonement. Not being Jewish (or anything religious for that matter), I had to google Yom Kippur, and one thing I learned is that Judaism is very complex! For Yom Kippur, there is fasting involved, as well as the avoidance of a few things, like bathing, perfume, leather shoes, and marital relations. I do not claim to understand this custom (nor do I understand other religious customs), but I honor and respect those who do celebrate their religious beliefs with humility and devotion. Ultimately, Yom Kippur appears to be about atonement and repentance, and that may be something which we all could practice a little more. And charity. Yes, charity, especially in these days of hurricanes and floods and earthquakes. (Note to my Jewish friends: please correct me if I got any of this wrong.)

In 1973, a few days after Yom Kippur, Israel was fighting a bitter war against Egypt and Syria. Its very survival was at stake. Leonard Cohen had heard of the war and had come to Tel Aviv to see it for himself. Somewhat serendipitously, he ended up joining a tour to entertain the soldiers. His 1974 album, New Skin for the Old Ceremony, was a result of that tour, with songs such as "Who By Fire" having been inspired by that experience. The video linked above features stunning artwork by Matthew Schwartz.

Cohen explains the song in his own words:  "That song derives very directly from a Hebrew prayer that is sung on the evening of the Day of Atonement. 'Who by fire, who by sword, who by water.' According to the tradition, The Book of Life is opened, and in it is inscribed all those who will live and all those who will die for the following year. In that prayer is catalogued all the various ways in which you can quit this veil of tears. The conclusion of the song as I write it is somewhat different, 'Who shall I say is calling?' That is what makes the song into a prayer for me in terms which is who is it or what is it that determines who will live and who will die?"

Interesting (and unanswerable) question. Leonard Cohen, one of the greatest lyricists of our time, died a year ago on November 7. The result of a fall in his home, he died in his sleep. Who by accident.  Who in the night time. Leonard Cohen was 82. Two and a half weeks before his death, he released his 14th studio album, You Want It Darker. In the song by the same name, these lines are compelling:

A million candles burning for the help that never came
You want it darker. We kill the flame.

In the spirit of charity, please consider donating money or supplies to those suffering in Puerto Rico.

G'mar Tov.