90 - A Song of Assents

It was a Shabbat of bittersweet celebration last Friday at my congregation. Our associate rabbi, Eleanor Smith, who has graced our congregation for seven years, is leaving to pursue a new aspect of her rabbinate. She hopes to become a physician, to blend the spiritual with the physical to heighten and enhance her abilities as a healer.

She is already a very good healer, and a gifted rabbi in so many ways. The words of blessing and praise overflowed during Shabbat services. So may her cup always be overflowing, as she goes from strength to strength.

Ninety

A Song of Assents

Let my life smile yes to the Eternal;
Let my days praise God’s name.
Let my mouth be filled with songs of delight
Even as I delight in my Creator.

So with a nod and a wink and a grin,
I will dance to Your melody,
Twisting and turning a path of mitzvot
To honor and praise my Creator.

Let my life smile yes to the Eternal;
Let my nights find contemplation in God’s name.
Let my heart be soothed with loving thoughts
Even as I free it from sorrow.

As with a clap and a tap and a stomp,
My limbs keep time to Your melody,
Counting the beat of the heavens’ gladness
That honors and praises the Creator.

Let my life smile yes to the Eternal,
Let my works praise God’s name.
Let me honor You all my nights and my days,
Let all shadows be displaced by Your light.

Let my life smile yes.