The prayer comes from the Mishkan T’filah prayerbook - it was written by Rabbi Norman Hirsh.
The rest is from Rhonda and me.
ONCE OR TWICE in a lifetime,
a man or woman may choose a radical leaving,
having heard Lech l’cha — Go forth.
God disturbs us toward our destiny by hard events
and by freedom’s now urgent voice
which explode and confirm who we are.
We don’t like leaving, but God loves becoming.
We sometimes leave what was familiar
To become familiar with something new.
We may physically leave one place
But we do not leave behind
Fond memories
Partnerships
Achievements
Shared holidays and life events
Sorrows
and Joys.
We may stay in one place
Leaving behind the responsibilities of one position
Only to assume a new and significant role
Which does not disconnect us from people or our past.
We carry everyone and everything with us
Because each of us is the product of all of our experiences
And relationships: family, friends, congregants,
And fellow travelers on our journeys.
ONCE OR TWICE in a lifetime,
a man or woman may choose a radical leaving,
having heard Lech l’cha — Go forth.
God disturbs us toward our destiny by hard events
and by freedom’s now urgent voice
which explode and confirm who we are.
We don’t like leaving, but God loves becoming.
Lech l’cha
l’chi lach
We have gone forth.
What have we become?
Graduates
Jewish professionals
Friends
Spouses
Travelers
Residents of a Capital City
Parents
Passengers on the train in Gage Park
Explorers
Nearby adult children
A family of Chiefs, Royals and Jayhawk fans
Musical theater devotees for the young star in the family
A Jewish singer/songwriter
A teacher and storyteller
Veteran Religious School faculty members
A proud mom and dad at two graduations
Seacoast dwellers a short drive from the ocean, some family and friends, outlet malls, and great ice cream, with mounds of snow gracing our yard,
Suddenly, southwestern desert dwellers at Israel’s latitude
Bearers of new allergies
Seekers of new doctors, hairdressers, and a place to find fresh Challah for Shabbat
Apprentice Appreciators of New Mexico chile, so please don’t ask about the color
Fans of gypsum dunes at White Sands
Spectators of beautiful sunsets from our patio, resulting in galleries of photo memories
Celebrants at a snowy winter wedding
Proud mother-in-law
Proud father-in-law
60 year-olds
Still teachers of children and adults
Still learners from adults and children
Still community servants
Still friends making friends
Grandparents connected with family through wondrous technology
Home dwellers in the face of a new challenge, trying to stay safe and healthy
Zoom-masters
Hopefully, thankful, patient and flexible souls as our plans changed
65 year-olds
Who have come to the conclusion of a chapter but not the end of a journey.
Reflections of those who came before us, who left us their legacies, on whose shoulders we stand
Builders and givers to a future
For peers and for a new generation
To learn, to teach, to care and to grow.
We don’t like leaving
But God loves becoming.
May all of us be blessed
With courage,
The power to let go of the familiar,
As we tread new paths
While not losing our treasured connections
And while helping one another, always,
To walk with hope.
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