Zalman - as Carol remembers:
Zalman was our life-long friend & mentor, as well as being the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement. Originally I was asked to write a poem in honor of his 90th Birthday , but he died a few weeks prior to the celebration. I was then invited to write a memorial piece, which I did, several years later.
I just read the poems this week - for an online Yahrzeit celebration with several hundred of his students & members of the Aleph Foundation.
Your request for poems came on the heals of that reading, so I guess they will now find another readership in your lovely journal.
Richard's thoughts:
I came across him in an amazing book - from 2007, by Rodger Kamenetz called "A Jew in the Lotus" which tells the story of a group of American (?) Jews - with Zalman as a guide, visiting Tibet and the Dalai Lama. The book was amazing. I am sure you read it.
It made me think of the beginnings of Buddhism, which is estimated to be around 2600 yrs ago.
Also, 2600 years ago, at least part of our Torah was written.
Also, about the same time, there was a lot of trade between present-day Israel and India. Those trade routes took a long time to travel and encounters with other cultures were unavoidable.
I have no proof, my gut feelings say that more than goods were exchanged during those trips. Maybe a philosophy discussion. or two or two-hundred. This would help explain the affinity between J and B.
Carol replies:
More was exchanged on those trade routes than spices!
Stories & wisdom teachings - healing arts & herbs medical know how & crafts. Lots was shared during those travels.
(Carol's husband Rabbi) Neal worked with Zalman at the University of Manitoba We each knew him separately - I met him when I was 17
Our son Rabbi Or has written about him & is now completing his doctorate on Zelman’s early non- Jewish influences.