Shema

Shema Yisrael, YHVH Eloheinu, YHVH Echad. 

Hear O Israel, YHVH is our God, YHVH is One.

“Listen up, y'all," says Shekhinah

who looks today like a teacher

in corduroy dress and sedate boots.

"Let the smartphone rest a bit,

or learn how to hear My voice

coming through its speaker.

Let your love for Me well up like

unexpected tears. Everyone serves

something: give your life to Me.

Let the channel of your heart open:

My abundance will pour through.

But if you prefer profit, if you pretend—

if you're not real with Me

your life will feel hollow

and your heart be embittered.

I won't punish you; I won't need to.

Your hollowness will be punishment enough,

and the world will suffer for it.

So let My words twine 'round your arm,

and shine like a headlamp

between your eyes to light your way.

Teach them to everyone you meet.

Write them at the end of your emails

and on your business cards.

Then you'll remember how to live

with the flow of all that is holy —

you'll have heaven right here on earth."

יהו''ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם אֱמֶת

YHVH eloheichem emet.

Your God is a true God.

-by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Bayit 

Baruch atah Adonai

Brucha at Shechina

Blessed One-ness

Bringing connection when there is separation,

Remembering joy even when we cannot.

One-ness,

We are blessed to be part of this holy wholeness

Even if we understand so little of it.

We are blessed to have received so much love,

Even when it is lost. 

And we pray for the strength to perceive the blessings

Even when it hurts so much.

Amen. 

“When will I be myself again?”

Some Tuesday, perhaps,

In the late afternoon,

Sitting quietly with a cup of tea

And a cookie;

Or Wednesday, same time or later,

You will stir from a nap and see her;

You will pick up the phone to call her;

You will hear her voice – unexpected advice –

And maybe argue.

And you will not be frightened,

And you will not be sad,

And you will not be alone,

Not alone at all,

And your tears will warm you.

But not today,

And not tomorrow,

And not tomorrow’s tomorrow,

But someday,

Some Tuesday, late in the afternoon,

Sitting quietly with a cup of tea

And a cookie

And you will be yourself again.

From: Beside Still Waters, available for download and purchase.