Harry Freedman

Leading writer on Jewish culture and history Dr Harry Freedman looks at the mystical and spiritual sources for the works of singer/songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen.

Cohen, who died five years ago, was deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, and his poetry and song writing is full of allusions to both traditions. Freedman explains how songs such as Suzanne, Hallelujah, Who by Fire, and You Want It Darker draw on stories and ideas in the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah. He shows how Cohen reworked myths, prayers, legends, and allegories and offers new insight into the man and his music.

“This is among the finest volumes on Cohen’s life and lyrics” - John McKenna, writer and friend of Leonard Cohen

Freedman is author of books including Reason to Believe: The Controversial Life of Rabbi Louis Jacobs; The Talmud: A Biography; Kabbalah: Secrecy, Scandal and the Soul; and The Murderous History of Bible Translations. He is currently writing Britain’s Jews, a portrait of Jewish life in the UK. Here he talks to journalist and reviewer for the FT Suzi Feay.

This event is part of the festival’s programme of Jewish and Hebrew literature and culture.