Song of the Distant Dove

This book explores the journey of Judah Halevi, a revered Hebrew poet, as he travels from Spain to Israel, reflecting on his experiences and poetry.

In Song of the Distant Dove, Scheindlin presents the life and journey of Judah Halevi, the eminent premodern Hebrew poet who lived from approximately 1085 to 1141. This book chronicles Halevi's pilgrimage from Spain to the Land of Israel, where he sought to spend his final days among its sacred ruins. The narrative is enriched with selections of Halevi's poetry and original documents, offering readers a comprehensive view of his experiences and the historical context. The complete corpus of Halevi's pilgrimage poems is included, along with new verse translations and insightful discussions that illuminate his profound reflections on life and faith.

The text delves into the life of Halevi, who left behind his home and family to pursue a deeper connection with his Jewish identity. Through recently discovered letters and his evocative poetry, Song of the Distant Dove reveals the motivations behind his journey and the significance it held for him. Readers will gain insight into Halevi's interactions with a circle of Jewish intellectuals and businessmen in Islamic Spain and Egypt, exploring their cultural milieu at a time when Arabic and Islamic culture thrived.

This book not only highlights Halevi's artistic contributions but also examines the tensions he faced as a Jew in a predominantly Islamic world. While he yearned for a return to a purely Jewish way of life, his poetry reflects the complex influences of the culture surrounding him. By touching on themes of literature, religion, and history, Song of the Distant Dove serves as an essential introduction to Judeo-Arabic culture and offers a detailed portrait of one of medieval Jewish history's most significant figures.