Chayei Sarah A Judith Felsen Poem

 Chayei Sarah 

There is  a light which always burns within,

a refuge yet connected with the candles of Machpelah.

No force can dim their glow, or dull their flames eternal.

In them are sparks of Your first light

reminders and the truth of Your creation.

Aromas too, abide with light and elevate the senses,

bringing scents of rising thanks for making  days of sacredness.

Reminders of this holy place transform the universe

connecting all tradition with its source as meant by You.

Lit candles   grace our tables within tents of sanctuary

making space for blessings of Your breads and fruits

while dwelling in our hearts with You.

It is good to live one foot above the ground,

the other deep within Machpelach’s midst.

A double life is lived on earth, as here we walk in Your embrace

while soul does cleave and yearn for You.

The cave of my body houses the light of my soul,

raising its essence through prayer and mitzvot.

As a grateful daughter of you, Sarah

I light the candles, knead the dough 

and maintain the holiness of the tent.

There is only blessed eternity here

in the practice of connecting with you

as you have connected with Him.

It is good to live with one foot above ground

and the other deep in the cave of Machpelah.

I follow the practice of double living

as I embrace , and am of you, You 

doing Your will on earth.

Dr. Judith Felsen, 2024