Performer Chaya Bekermus at the Eco Interfaith Poetry Event

In this moving spoken-word performance, poet Chaya Bekermus delivers a deeply personal reflection on faith, identity, resilience, and the search for meaning. Presented at the second annual Eco Interfaith Poetry Slam in Jerusalem, the poem draws listeners into an intimate journey through memory, spirituality, and self-discovery.

Having written poetry since the age of seven, Chaya shares a piece that explores the complexities of growing up Jewish while grappling with questions of belonging, freedom, and purpose. Through vivid imagery and emotional honesty, she reflects on the tension between pain and hope, examining how childhood experiences can shape a person’s understanding of themselves, their faith, and their place in the world.

The performance touches on themes of trauma, healing, and spiritual growth, while also celebrating the enduring strength that can be found in religious tradition and community. References to Shabbat, Jewish identity, and the pursuit of a deeper connection with God weave throughout the poem, creating a powerful meditation on what it means to carry both wounds and blessings.

As part of the Eco Interfaith Poetry Slam, the piece also reflects the event’s broader mission of exploring the connections between faith, humanity, and our relationship with the world around us. Chaya’s heartfelt words invite viewers to consider how personal stories, spiritual reflection, and creative expression can inspire understanding, compassion, and transformation.

This unforgettable performance showcases the power of poetry to confront difficult truths, celebrate identity, and illuminate the path toward healing and self-acceptance.