Lights for the Heart and Soul

Dear Friends,
In honor of the eight days of Chanukah, here are eight psalm verses meant to be read together as one prayer. In Hebrew, the first letter of each of these verses spells Shalom Tzedek – Peace, Justice. The final verse begins with the Hebrew letter chet—the first letter of Chanukah. I changed some of the verse from the singular to the plural to emphasize the communal nature of the call.

Source of all, send forth your light and truths
they will guide us and lead us to your sacred presence.
Psalm 43:3

From generation to generation,
we will live with faith in the Mysterious Unfolding.
The earth stands firm.
Psalm 119:90

Let your steadfast love reach us.
May your presence bring us into the expanse.
Psalm 119:41

How amazing are the works of the Unfolding Mystery.
How deep and unfathomable is the Infinite design.
Psalm 92:6

You call us to act for justice grounded in deep faith.
Psalm 119:138

I will choose the path of faith
and place practices before me to guide the way.
Psalm 119:30

We call out to you with full hearts.
Answer us Divine presence,
that we may live in alignment with you.
Psalm 119:145

Infinite love fills all the earth
Teach us these ways.
Psalm 119:94

May these ancient texts ring in our souls. And together may we continue to find the koach -- the strength and devotion -- to keep rising for the sake of healing, justice and peace.

Chanukah Samayach,
Rabbi Yael