It’s still there.
It’s Hebrew name means “doorpost,”
According to the most traditional English translation.
Its presence in our doorway changes
The threshold of our home.
The words on the small parchment inside of it
Are ancient and challenging
Because, after we have put that inscribed scroll
In its proper spot,
We still have to practice the teachings
That have been passed down to us.
No one has asked even one question about it
In our current place of residence.
Perhaps they haven’t noticed it.
It’s still there, even now,
When people are conflating political and religious hatreds
So that they might see this symbol
As one of oppression.
No.
It reminded my ancestors, and it reminds me
Of the awesome responsibility
To keep our sacred heritage
Uppermost in our minds
As a lens for how we view humanity
And as a guide for how we can act in ways
that enhance our world.
The motivation to do this
Must come from the depths of our souls
So that we will reach out to the victims of
Those who would sow chaos
With support
With connection
With warmth
And with the reassurance
That we are here
Together
In a larger home
A community
That begins
With centuries-old words.
They tell us
To love God
And to recognize
the divine spark within each other.
It’s still there.
The spark and the scroll.
We are not taking it down
From our doorway.
And its message still lives
In our hearts.
