NOTE: Studying Hagar’s story is fraught at any time, in part due to the overlap between Jewish, Muslim, and Christian ideas about her character. The Torah texts in which she appears are read during the high holidays, which gives them additional loads to bear. She has been understood, in midrash and commentary, to exemplify a variety of vulnerable populations and is used for all kinds of political purposes. Her powerful interactions with God and the members of her households make her an extraordinary character to explore and, without special care, to misuse. At this terrible time of destruction and grief (writing in November 2023), it is particularly important to consider the impact of our approaches to her story. Please see note below, which emerged from discussion with poet and scholar Mohja Kahf; while specific to one of her poems, the underlying issues apply more widely.
Resources on-line and in print
Background at Jewish Women’s Archive.
“Hagar and Ishmael.” From scholar Tikva Frymer-Kensky, now of blessed memory. At My Jewish Learning.
Phyllis Trible.Texts of Terror: Literary-Feminist Readings of Biblical Narratives. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984. This early, oft-cited source in feminist text analysis is easy to read, text-illuminating and historically useful. The author’s training and overall framework are Christian, but her biblical readings remain within the Hebrew text. More at Lekh-Lekha Great Sources.
Alicia Ostriker‘s writing includes poetry and other midrash on Hagar. See, e.g., “The Opinion of Hagar” in Nakedness of the Fathers: Biblical Visions and Revisions. Rutgers University Press, 1994.
Reconciling Hagar and Sarah, wide-ranging discussion, with feminist midrash and poetry
Mohja Kahf. Hagar Poems, University of Arkansas Press, 2016. Here is one poem from that collection — shared with the author’s permission: “All Good” — Please see NOTE BELOW
Amal al-Jabouri. Hagar Before the Occupation/ Hagar After the Occupation. Alice James Books, 2011.
Whence Have You Come? — thought on Hagar’s story
Stranger’s Strange Words — language in Hagar’s story
Midrashic music from Tzedek Chicago’s Leah S. (created for Shabbat Vayera 5784) 00
Note on Hagar and the War on Palestine
Mohja Kahf’s “All Good” was shared in part during Tzedek Chicago Torah Study, November 4, 2023 — Shabbat Vayera. Another part was read in Hebrew Learning Community on Nov. 5. It is shared here in its entirely, with the author’s permission. In addition, here are some notes that emerged from discussion with the poet in November 2023:
- Mohja Kahf is Syrian-American, so her words should not be substituted for Palestinian voices.**
- This poem has been used in the past to support a both-sides-ish, “everyone is equally at fault,” viewpoint that does not match the asymmetrical power situation in Palestine/Israel history or current events or the unique struggle of Palestinians for sovereignty.
- It’s important to distinguish between Abrahamic-Hagarian-Saraian issues between Muslims and Jews, on the one hand, and, on the other hand. the current genocide on Gaza and ongoing struggle of Palestinians for land, rights, and sovereignty.
**For those interested in pursuing Palestinian writing more broadly —
A few Palestinian American writers suggested by Mohja Kahf
George Abraham, poet and performance artist
Susan Albuhawa, novelist, poet, activist
Zeina Azzam, poet, writer, editor, and community activist
Fady Joudah, physician, poet, and translator
Lisa Suhair Majaj, poet and scholar, author of “Conversation — a poem“
More Palestinian Voices
Hiba Abu Nada (1991-2023). Palestinian poet, novelist, and teacher. Last poem (Oct 10, 2023): “I Grant You Refuge“
Taha Mohammed Ali (1931-2011) Palestinian poet from Nazareth. Some readings and translations
Mahmoud Darwish (1942-2008) Palestinian poet. See also Poetry International
Rereading Torah Towards Liberation 