“…In time the rockies may crumble,
Gibraltar may tumble, they’re only made of clay.
But our love is here to stay.”
— Ira Gershwin, “Love is Here to Stay”
“For the mountains may be moved
and the hills may falter,
but My kindness shall not be removed from you
and My covenant of peace shall not falter
— says the One Who shows you mercy, HASHEM.”
— Isaiah 54:10 (Stone Chumash)
George Gershwin (1898-1937) wrote the music for what became “Love Is Here to Stay,” not long before his death on 3 Av 5697 (July 11, 1937). Isaiah 54:10 would have been read a few weeks later, on 14 Elul (August 21), to accompany the reading of Ki Teitzei. (The same verses comprise part of the haftarah for parashat Noach.)
Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) finished the lyrics shortly after George’s death. I have no idea if Ira was in shul that (or any) day, or exactly when the song was finished, but I personally consider this the “Gershwin haftarah.” I can’t read the passage from Isaiah without hearing “Love Is Here to Stay,” and I have heard others independently notice the resonance.
More on George and Ira Gershwin to come.
"A Song Every Day" 