A Passover Poem
A Passover Poem
Inspired by Deborah Leipziger
Begin with stillness.
Summon Courage.
Remember Deliverance.
Summon Courage.
Remember Deliverance.
Breathe — feel your lungs expanding within your chest
Close your eyes.
Close your eyes.
Picture:
The forsythia and the flowers of spring,
purple iris for the passover table,
tulips so pink they edge into blue.
The forsythia and the flowers of spring,
purple iris for the passover table,
tulips so pink they edge into blue.
Invite:
Gather your dearest, the lonely, those without, this passover meal is for you — for them
Gather your dearest, the lonely, those without, this passover meal is for you — for them
Hunger.
Bring your hunger, end your fast.
Remember.
Indeed, there is much to recall
and to hold,
And to heal.
Bring your hunger, end your fast.
Remember.
Indeed, there is much to recall
and to hold,
And to heal.
Choose. Just about everything calls out to you to be done — you must choose the things most carefully.
Kindness, stay kind.
This is important.
For this passover meal,
bring your Love of storytelling.
Bring
Maror. Matzah.
The bitter herbs
Bring parsley to dip in salt water
taste the tears of sorrow
All this is Necessary.
This is important.
For this passover meal,
bring your Love of storytelling.
Bring
Maror. Matzah.
The bitter herbs
Bring parsley to dip in salt water
taste the tears of sorrow
All this is Necessary.
Remember the lamb . . . the lamb
Open your eyes to the sacred, and to the simple.
Pause.
breathing deeply again
making room for the
quiet places that long to be seen; to be heard
Remember the Jerusalem Temples lost and burning
Remember the years in exile
Remember the stories of the past.
Sacrifice those things — like a burnt offering—no longer need
Look into the hearts of those gathered around the Passover table
Together, yearn for justice and freedom.
Bring your Zeal for celebration.
Bring yourself, your deep desire to connect.
breathing deeply again
making room for the
quiet places that long to be seen; to be heard
Remember the Jerusalem Temples lost and burning
Remember the years in exile
Remember the stories of the past.
Sacrifice those things — like a burnt offering—no longer need
Look into the hearts of those gathered around the Passover table
Together, yearn for justice and freedom.
Bring your Zeal for celebration.
Bring yourself, your deep desire to connect.