Judaism has a rich tradition of poetic expression; it is evident in the beautiful, metaphoric verse found throughout the Torah and in the poetic phraseology and iambic meter of Dovid HaMelech's (King David's) Psalms. Poetry has found perhaps its greatest expression in the vast body of Jewish liturgy.
It is therefore quite natural that poetic expression should find its way into modern Jewish literature, and it is appropriate that a new genre, Jewish poetry, expressing the spiritual longings and feelings that flow from the Jewish heart, should be disseminated and encouraged among the religious, Jewish readership.
"Seraphim's Touch," a book of poetry by Moshe L. Kuskin, represents a unique and groundbreaking publication in Judaica. This compilation is replete with unique spiritual insights and novel interpretations in Torah thought; it extols the beauty and grandeur of the wonders of creation, and attributes to them a deeper purpose and meaning. Most of all, the poetry is lyrical and captivating and will surely inspire anyone who delves into its contents. Below are just some of the reactions of those who reviewed this book prior to its publication:
"The poems all ring with true sincerity...There is nothing in the Orthodox Jewish World in League with Kuskin's writing." (Rabbi Dr. Moshe Einstadter)
"I found the poems to be inspiring, sensitive and often quite profound..." (Mrs. Tova Finkelman, Professional Editor)
About the Author: Rabbi Moshe L. Kuskin, in his tenor as Executive Director of a major tzedakah and chesed (charity) organization, wrote and illustrated numerous educational magazines. This background in writing, combined with vacation trips amid the pristine beauty of the Smoky and Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States, led to his first compilation of poetry entitled "Smoky Mountain Reveries," followed by this compendium, "Seraphim's Touch."
The first half of the compilation, entitled "Spiritual Musings," represents an expression of the poet's spiritual inner life. The second half, entitled "Nature's Illuminations" expands greatly upon his first book of poetry, the theme of which is based upon Rambam's (Maimonide's) Hilchos Ysodei HaTorah, The Laws of the Foundations of Torah, in which Rambam explains that through contemplation of nature one may develop a recognition of, as well as an awe and love for the Creator of all things, Hakodosh, Baruch Hu.
The poetry of "Seraphim's Touch" is replete with unique spiritual insights and novel interpretations in Torah thought. It extols the beauty and grandeur of the niflaos haBorei, the wonders of creation, and attributes to them a deeper purpose and meaning.
Due to the groundbreaking nature of this collection of poems, the author has taken the unusual steps of footnoting many of the allusions referenced in the poetry, as well as providing a glossary, to facilitate understanding of the work. As with any good poetry, particularly containing profundity, some of the poems may require more than one reading to fully comprehend and appreciate. However, this effort will undoubtedly lead to broader, deeper and more satisfying interpretations in the mind of the reader.
