Wedding blessing, and more
I like to think that Shekhina, the Divine Presence in Judaism, is like a cosmic smile, gracing and grounding the world every day. Especially at sunset.
In Jewish time, the new day begins at sunset. So the melting colors of that time, between one day and the next, can feel particularly sacred, like a touch of holiness as night falls.
Years ago, I wrote a poem as a wedding gift for two beloved friends. And while it was intended as a blessing for their loving life together, over time I came to associate it with the Divine Love spoken of every evening in Jewish prayer. Just like my friends’ relationship has undoubtedly sprouted off in unexpected directions over the decades, so did this poem. Enjoy.
Shekhina smiles on co-recreation
When sun and moon sit
on the edges of the world
between the days and nights
and nights and days
Shekhina watches
for where love lays
out her table
and brings gold and amber
and lilac and sapphire
and black and white and
grey of all tones
on a platter of life
to where dreams
begin and end
where hearts embrace
where hands intertwine
where legs interlace
like branches, like trunks
like roots, growing deep
into the ground, and high
into the sky.
When blue melts to indigo
and amber into blue
and Shekhina smiles
on co-recreation
may your eyes drink soft rainbows
and your tongues taste sweet fruit
from the trees
you have grown together.
© Shifrah Tobacman, 1986
Dearest Shifrah,
This is a wondrous, inspiring and beautiful website. Thank you.
Chinabear
Thank you, Chinabear! So glad you like it. Hoopefully that will inspire me to keep writing!