87 - Shabbat

In the midst of a torrential downpour, Reid and I went to share Shabbat dinner with our friends. A tornado watch had been posted, and we briefly drove through hail. We wondered aloud what on earth we were doing out in this kind of weather. Then we arrived and amid a flurry of umbrellas made our way inside. After a few moments spent drying off and catching our breath, we gathered around the table. Hyma lit the candles and we joined hands to sing the blessing. The fury of the storm faded. We raised our glasses and sang kiddush.

Eighty-Seven

Shabbat

Stars reflect off heaven’s hem
As Shabbat enters quietly;
Other, over, away all week,
Shabbat is the fruit of six days’ imaginings.

Hushed and soft, with tender smile,
Shabbat greets us as we raise our cups;
Shabbat perches upon the rim
And nods as we bless and praise and remember.

Come again to us, Gracious Host,
Fill our hearts with peace;
Come sing with us, Sweet Singer,
We will fill our mouths with praise.

Surround us with Shabbat’s beauty,
All time in a day;
Surround us with the faces of our dear ones:
Now and then and still to be.

Come again to us, Gracious Host,
Come again as Shabbat is seated at our table;
Come sing with us, Sweet Singer,
As Shabbat fills our home with peace.