“The whole world, all of it, is a narrow bridge; the essential thing is not to be afraid.” This saying, attributed to the 18th century Polish Jewish mystic, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, was set to music in the 20th century by Yemenite-Israeli singer Ofra Haza. In 2008, Haza’s song was a centerpiece of the Krakow Jewish Cultural Festival, bringing Rabbi Nachman’s lyrics full circle, back to Poland, in the shadow of Auschwitz. In our conversation, we will consider the interplay of danger, risk, and courage in this saying, how others have found meaning in its evocative imagery, and why it can help us navigate the challenges of our present moment.
DEPARTMENT of GERMAN STUDIES