by Marti & John Fischer

Upon hearing of the death of Peter Yarrow, third member of the iconic folk trio, Peter Paul & Mary, I sent my condolences to the sole survivor of the group, Noel  Paul Stookey. He replied that he was “sitting shiva” at Peter’s apartment with Peter’s friends and family. Being unfamiliar with the term “sitting shiva,” I found out it is a Jewish mourning tradition that takes place after the burial of a loved one, typically lasting seven days. The word shiva comes from the Hebrew word for “seven,” symbolizing the week-long period of mourning and focusing on the memories and accomplishments of the person who has passed.

Given that today is the funeral and national day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, Marti and I thought it only right to “sit shiva” with you and reflect on the passing of two towering figures whose lives — while different in faith, purpose, and path — intersected in their unwavering commitment to compassion and justice. Jimmy Carter, a devout Christian and a symbol of public service rooted in humility and faith, and Peter Yarrow, a Jewish musician and activist whose songs became the soundtrack of peace and justice movements, leave behind legacies that invite us to live with courage, empathy, and relentless hope.

Men of Faith and Action

At first glance, Jimmy Carter and Peter Yarrow might seem like an unlikely pairing — one, a Sunday school teacher turned U.S. president from rural Georgia; the other, a New York-born folk singer, son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that both men were profoundly shaped by their faith traditions.

• For Carter, Christianity was not just a set of beliefs but a mandate to serve others, particularly the poor and marginalized. His presidency may have lasted only one term, but his post-presidency became a decades-long mission of peace-building, global health advocacy, and Habitat for Humanity projects that changed the lives of thousands.

• For Yarrow, his Jewish heritage informed his deep commitment to tikkun olam — the Jewish principle of repairing the world. He used his platform to fight for civil rights, march for peace, and stand alongside movements seeking equality and dignity for all.

Their expressions of faith were different, but their actions shared a common thread: belief in the power of kindness and justice to shape the world.

Voices for Peace

Both men understood that words could inspire revolutions of the heart. Jimmy Carter wielded words through diplomacy, seeking peace where others sowed conflict. His work with the Camp David Accords — a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt — remains one of his most celebrated accomplishments. His quiet but resolute approach showed the world that humility and strength could coexist.

Peter Yarrow’s words were strummed on a guitar and sung in stadiums and sit-ins. Songs like Blowin’ in the Wind and If I Had A Hammer invited generations to dream of a better world and challenge the status quo. His music didn’t just entertain — it mobilized and comforted.

Both Carter and Yarrow knew that peace isn’t passive. It’s a daily choice to resist hatred and fear, to listen when it’s easier to argue, and to reach across divides when it’s safer to retreat.

Compassion for the Vulnerable

Whether building houses with his bare hands or working to eradicate diseases in impoverished nations, Carter’s legacy is one of tireless service to the most vulnerable. He once said, “We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.” His principle was clear: love your neighbor, no matter the cost.

Yarrow’s activism extended beyond marches and music. He was deeply involved in anti-bullying campaigns and initiatives for children, believing that every child deserves to feel safe and valued. His life’s work reminds us that advocacy isn’t only about sweeping movements — it’s about the small, consistent ways we show up for those in need.

Facing Mortality with Grace

Jimmy Carter’s recent decision to enter hospice care speaks to his lifelong grace and acceptance of the inevitable. It is a profound reminder of how to live and die with dignity, knowing that the seeds we’ve planted in our lifetimes will continue to grow long after we are gone. Similarly, Peter Yarrow’s death feels like the fading of a familiar melody — one that leaves us in silence for a moment but lingers in our hearts forever.

Legacies that Call Us Forward

The loss of both men invites us to ask: How will we live?

Carter taught us that faith and action must go hand in hand. Yarrow reminded us that art and activism can be twin forces for good. Both men showed that kindness is not weakness, and integrity is not naïve. They didn’t just talk about building a better world — they showed us how to build it, brick by brick, song by song.

As we sit in this time of “shiva,” we are reminded of something both of these men seemed to know: the world is broken, but healing is possible. Whether your faith leads you to a prayer meeting or a protest, whether your voice is carried by a sermon or a song, you can be part of that healing.

May we honor their legacies not only by remembering their stories but by continuing their work.