Reflections Toward the High Holidays - A Judith Felsen Poem

By Judith Felsen

In this world of concealment

Bounded by constricted light

We perceive ourselves as separate

Although molded by your might.

In your sight we are united,

We have never left your home. 

All that's here is but illusion

All we know is merely foam.

This is good and also scary

As we cling to what we think.

In the end it makes no difference

As we ascend Your heavenly link.

What we see is just one level

What we are is something else. 

In Your light we are eternal,

Our souls connected in a wink.

In these coming days of Elul

We repent for deeds gone wrong.

As we hear the shofar blowing

We recall Your heavenly song.

Reading Psalms and words of Fathers,

Learning over what we've known,

We are blessed with a reflection

Of Your kingdom, our true home.

This life is like a summer rental

Filled with joy and worldly grief.

Our connection with your kindness

Is in fact our true relief.

As this summer turns to autumn,

As this Av becomes Elul,

We reflect on months of passing

Structured by Your thought and rule. 

We consider what we are

And we reflect on what we've done.

In our query we remember

All here passes under this sun.

Words are good and actions mighty,

All done with an open heart.

In the end we are united

With You, as always, from the start.

Days of Awe, High Holidays

Are a sign that You are here

As we chant and pray for mercy,

Here's to health, peace and a Good New Year!

Reprinted with permission.

Judith Felsen, Ph.D. 8/2013
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