246 - The Plague of Darkness

Although Pesach is three months away, the Torah reading for this week is Parashat Bo, which includes the description of the last three plagues visited upon the Egyptians. The penultimate plague, the plague of darkness, was said to have immobilized the Egyptians for three days. Sometimes a darkness we create in ourselves can have that same effect. We need then to open ourselves to God’s light and illuminating force.

Two Hundred Forty-Six

The Plague of Darkness

Deliver me from the darkness of my soul,
Created by internal enemies, my defeaters;
They shake the foundation of my being,
They battle my innermost self.

Not as day fades to evening, but as thieves they come,
So abruptly they steal the light
That I stand immobile, mute.
Be again my Light, Holy One, as I seek the light.

Strengthen the stars, remove the obscuring clouds,
Unwrap the blindfold from my eyes;
Renew in my spirit fortitude and strength,
Your precious shard of brilliance, my sunrise.