The story of Jonah is one of those Bible stories that everyone thinks they know, in no small part thanks to the image of a prophet being swallowed by a giant fish. I can't make it five seconds beyond a mention of the story without getting this song stuck in my head:

But the story of Jonah has much more to offer beyond the pescatarian nightmare. The tale of a prophet who doesn't believe in repentence, therefore refusing to help God out in warning sinners to change their ways, is read in synagogues around the world on Yom Kippur afternoon. The message that it's never too late for a second chance resonates with people who have spent hours fasting and asking for forgiveness.

That doesn't mean that we shouldn't sing about Jonah. But if you're looking for something a little more recent than Porgy and Bess, here are two options that might be more your speed, from G-dcast and Bible Raps.

(Read the lyrics and download the mp3.)

(Read the lyrics.)

If you'd like to hear the Book of Jonah in the original version, head over to our High Holiday page to find a Yom Kippur service.

Image of Jonah and the Whale in Haifa Port by Eugene Abeshaus used courtesy of the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life.