The Mountain, the Desert and the Pomegranate: Stories from Morocco and Beyond

In The Mountain, the Desert and the Pomegranate Vanessa Paloma looks at the mysteries and complexities of life beyond simple physical observation. Spirituality and felt perceptions influence what we see, hear, and do. From coyotes that join in a chorus backing up the soprano singing in the desert to the pomegranate and the Berbers who live in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and geckos that live in towers in Casablanca life is full of mysteries. From Jewish rituals redeeming the first born son to the hospitality of a Jewish-Arab family in Marrakesh, Ms. Paloma explores the promise in life. Vanessa Paloma is the "Nightingale of Moroccan Jewish Music" -- Le Journal, Casablanca. Vanessa Paloma, performer, writer, lecturer on Maghrebi life, is a specialist on Judeo-Spanish traditions and music. She is a Research Associate of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, Brandeis University and former Senior Fulbright Research Scholar, currently living in Casablanca.