Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Light through the canopyI just came across this wonderful poem, just written for 5768 by Rachel Barenblat on her blog at, Velveteen Rabbi. The photo is mine. Have a sweet year!.

What matters isn't
who I am on retreat,
singing the day into being,

but who I am
when I've come home
to the cat and the bills,

to-do list as long
as the yoga mat
I too rarely unfurl.

The real work
is living my intentions
at my desk, the laptop open;

in a slow-moving line
at the grocery store
past screaming tabloids;

when someone I love
loses a job or a partner
or a body that works.

Elul, this moon
cycling its phases
before the days of awe,

is a string on my finger
tefillin on my arm
a winding reminder

that I don't need
the addictions of ego
or self-importance.

Every instant
is a new year, a new chance
to bear again in mind

that every sunrise
is the light of creation
in sweet reprise

and every moment
is a prayer I'm blessed
to be able to recite.