Darkenu: A Journey Worth the While

By David Goldberg
Nativ 23

In North America, we have the opportunity to listen to and enjoy many different styles of music- rap, country, pop, classical, etc. And while many artists write lyrics with personal stories or which convey pleasant, romantic themes, very few songs resonate a deep meaning to which the majority of society can relate.

However, in Israel, there are times when you can hear musical voices that truly capture the mood of an entire nation. While serving as a counselor at Camp Ramah in Nyack, I first heard Darkenu (Our Path). It is a song which was originally written and popular in the 1970’s, and was reintroduced three years ago by the Burganim.

The first set of verses ends with the words "The road is still long; The journey is not yet over". Following this, the chorus begins "It’s not easy, our path is not easy". Every person in the world can connect with these lines. As students, we often have to deal with issues in school, sometimes a part-time job, volunteering, and more. They may seem like endless problems which overcome our entire being.

But then, at the conclusion of the last two verses, we hear the beautiful sound of comfort and support: "Put your head on my shoulder. Put your hand in mine … You won’t walk alone; I’ll be there with you". We hear of someone who will not only stand with us, but will also walk with us, helping in everything we do.

Darkenu is a song of support and I have felt the strength of this message over the past few months in Israel while on Nativ. Most recently, at least 15,000 Jewish students decided to spend their winter vacation here in Israel. Whether on birthright israel or Hillel missions, Israelis have seen Diaspora Jewry show support of our homeland. In a symbiotic relationship of support, many people have been deeply impacted, religiously and educationally, while in Israel. As well, this land has profited greatly, monetarily but more importantly in ruah, in spirit, from your visits.

A few weeks ago, I spent Shabbat afternoon with the KOACH birthright israel delegation. For some people, it was their first visit; for others, it was number four or five (only participation in a peer program leaves you ineligible). However, everyone related to this message: we are here. We may physically leave this country, but Israel is an integral part of our lives.

I pray that Israel will find a time without trouble- a time of peace and prosperity. We are on our path and sometimes it is difficult. By showing support, by visiting Israel for long periods of time, you are putting your hand on hers and walking with the country that we love so dearly.

[Posted 1/22/04]