PSALMS
257 - After Pesach
Before we sat down to our first seder, cousin Martin asked for a moment of silence: 22 people had just been slaughtered in Netanya, doing exactly what we were doing. The second night, at Hyma and Marvin’s, we spent an extra moment considering the reading before the Third Cup, before we opened the door for Elijah, the door of our hope for a healed world.
Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You, upon the kingdoms that do not invoke Your name. For they have devoured Jacob and desolated his home. (Ps. 79:6-7)
Pursue them in wrath and destroy them from under the heaven of the Eternal! (Lamentations 3:66)
Pour out Your wrath upon them; may Your blazing anger overtake them. (Ps. 69:25)
Two Hundred Fifty-Seven
After Pesach
Make a different night, Eternal One,
Make a different day;
Bring our enemies under Your dominion,
Avert the calamities wrought of hatred.
This new generation of Amalek shall falter,
Their plans for our destruction negated;
May these mothers preserve their children,
Rejecting all deluded acts of terror.
Pour out Your compassion on the grieving,
Comfort the innocents who beg for peace;
Each night shall be a night of Your protection,
Speed the dawn of tranquil days.