The Heartstrings of Ida Korem: Finding Meaning Through Family, Music, and Tradition

Getting to Know Me

"I'm Ida Korem, 40, a musician. I was born in Nazareth Illit—now known as Nof Hagalil—but I'll never get used to that name. Nowadays, I live in Jaffa".

Family Ties and Timeless Artifacts

"My family's history could serve as quite the textbook for Jewish history. My paternal grandparents, of blessed memory, were Holocaust survivors with chilling stories of heroism, while my maternal grandparents were pioneers and members of the Haganah. On my mom's side, Judaism was always an unquestioned presence, as both her parents came to Israel at a very young age. Yet, my dad's grandpa was very religious, which shaped my father's upbringing in a religious household. My paternal grandparents brought with them a tallit from my great-grandfather, my grandmother's silver candlesticks, and several other Jewish artifacts from Europe that represent our family's story for me.

"These items hold the most significance in our family. We don't pass down diamond necklaces; we pass down things that symbolize our connection to past generations. My father's regard for my grandfather's tallit ranks higher than any other personal item. I'm certain these will end up with my siblings and me one day. Although I'm not usually attached to material things—I'm not bothered when my child breaks something at home—when these artifacts come my way, they'll be more precious to me than anything else, connected not only by their history but by the deep attachment shared by my father and grandfather.

"Though we were defined as 'secular,' my father always made sure we went to synagogue on Yom Kippur, observed Passover properly, and built a sukkah. His connection to tradition was a strong tie to past generations, a connection he chose to honor and express through these observances".

Channels of Creativity

"Inspiration in creation is a divine and special realm. One might feel like a conduit of Hashem or like a vessel for a thousand generations of beauty, courage, truth, and vibrant culture. No one starts from scratch. I create from the things I've absorbed, from what I've heard at home and later in life, a wealth beyond measure. In this context, what's happening in Israel is especially astounding, thanks to our blessed gathering of exiles. It's simply beautiful".

Life's Lessons

"I connect deeply with many aspects of Judaism, particularly three. The first is 'You shall tell it to your children.' This resonates with me. There's tremendous meaning for me in being Jewish, in being part of the Jewish people. I get very excited about Rosh Hashanah and love it for its sense of renewal, the clean slate, the celebration. Alongside these, Yom Kippur connects with me. The value of deep self-reflection is significant in my life. I continue to strive to learn the lessons my soul needs to understand".

Words Fall Short

"The most divine, most spiritual thing that happened to me is unquestionably the birth of my child. It's not just the birth itself; it's her presence in my life since that moment. Nothing else compares. I would explain in words if I knew how, but I suppose anyone with children understands".

Never Alone

"Music holds an immensely important role in my life, and it's always been within me. My dad is a serious music lover, and I'm sure that influenced me. He played us classical music, Israeli music, and more. He'd turn up the volume loud and dance around the living room until my mom asked him to lower it. Music has always been my shield from the world when I need protection and my bridge back to it when I need connection. To this day, I listen to music like a 16-year-old, bouncing and singing in the streets with my headphones on.

"In recent years, I find myself deciding what kind of song I want to write, what feeling I want it to convey, and then I sit down to create. The inspiration might come from something I saw, a book I read, or simply another song that moved me, pushing me to write something in return. Some artists aim to make us dance, laugh, or cry. I am genuinely happy to hear when my music provokes thought or makes someone feel less alone—that's the most beautiful thing music can do".

The Power of Two

"Throughout my career, I've written and composed many songs for other artists. I'm aware of my limitations as a performer. Writing, however, is something I can do in a much broader scope. I can compose songs that may not suit me to perform. Understanding that I can't and shouldn't sing every song, and that I can pass songs along, is very liberating. This way, I enjoy the best of both worlds.

"Still, this won't happen under any circumstances or at any price. For example, I won't give a song to an artist I don't like. On the album I released about four years ago, it features artists I absolutely adore. It wasn't just a dream come true having them sing my songs; it was more than that—I feel they've done justice to my music. Leah Shabbat, singing on the album about the Exodus from Egypt, brings with her matching loads I might never have. Passing songs to others is a different musical experience, but it's no less strong or rewarding."

Six Years of Isolation

"I got caught up in a long and complex battle with the record company I was signed to. It was a difficult period that lasted over six years. The hardest part was being ostracized and isolated. Only when the Supreme Court judges affirmed my claims and showed support did my colleagues realize I wasn't entirely off my rocker.

"Still, those years gave me training and preparation for the COVID-19 period—to wake up every morning and not know what will happen today, tomorrow, or in six months. One of the most wonderful gifts from the battle was immense perspective and great gratitude for being able to return to what I love most—creating. Additionally, working on legislation in the Knesset allowed me to discover that change is possible if you're willing to collaborate with people you don't necessarily agree with. The Knesset is an exciting and thrilling place, full of inspiring individuals, even if their political views differ from mine."

Avoiding Comparisons

"In my younger years, I often compared myself to others—wondering where I stood compared to them, where I was supposed to be, and so on, until it hit me—my entire career trajectory, with its more or less successful moments, is a direct outcome of my personality and character—with all their strengths and flaws. Someone else would get different reactions because they are, well, different. It's not that there aren't still peaks I aim to reach—certainly, they motivate me to get out of bed every morning—but as long as I feel I'm progressing, even if it's in small steps, I'm happy."

Living to the Fullest

"In the grand scheme of things, after 120 years, I'd want to believe that I've raised my children to be independent, expressive, and generous. I'd like to know that I never stopped learning, growing, and improving right to the last moment. Naturally, I'd also like to think that I've given my family the love they deserve. Everything else is just a bonus."