“New Tablets” and “Turning, Turning Still” - Creative Alternatives for the Torah and Ecclesiastes Readings for the Shabbat during Sukkot - September 28, 2018

New Tablets - September 27, 2018

Eternal One,

We are ready to carve for You two new tablets of stone. 

We have, sadly, shattered the ones from the past

With our lack of empathy

With our denial of human pain

With our thirst for power

With our inability to take responsibility for our actions

With our sowing of hatred and anger

With our cruelty 

With our self-centeredness

With our forgetfulness

With our inability to forgive. 

We come to You now with new, blank tablets that await the

Guidance of Your hand to move our hearts. 

We present these tablets to You

From wherever we are now standing,  

for You are truly with us everywhere.

It is up to us to open our eyes 

To recognize and acknowledge Your enduring presence. 

Eternal God, write anew upon these tablets 

and upon our hearts

Compassion

Grace

Patience

Commitment

Love

Learning

Generosity

Accountability 

Kindness

Openness

Understanding

Support 

And 

Hope 

We will bear these tablets with us

As we continue on our way

Towards a new promised land

Where we will build

A world of true peace. 

Turning, Turning Still - September 27, 2018

To everything there is a season, and a time for every attitude under heaven. 

There is a time to be arrogant, and a time to be humble. 

A time to be combative, and a time to be cooperative. 

A time to be accusatory, and a time to be truthful. 

A time to be dismissive, and a time to be a thoughtful listener. 

A time to be intimidating, and a time to be considerate.  

A time to be infuriated, and a time to be calm. 

A time to be self-righteous, and a time to be just. 

A time to be hateful, and a time to be loving. 

A time to be disappointed, and a time to be encouraged.

A time to be fearful, and a time to be brave. 

A time to be divisive, and a time to seek unity 

In any way possible.