For a long time I’ve felt connected to the music of Dolly Parton. Journeying through Elul and learning the news of her passing just a couple of days ago, I have been listening to a playlist of some of her songs and some Jewish songs which speak to this time of year.

As I’ve been listening I have been listening attentively to some of the lyrics. I couldn’t help but find themes and connections to this time of the Jewish calender in the Dolly Parton songs too. Here are some reflections on a selection of 4 of these songs as we journey through this and this time of year.

Firstly, “Here You Come Again”, which seems like an obvious one and a good place to start. This song captures the tension between return, vulnerability and being drawn back in. This time of year comes around annually, as with all........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)