Sarah's Tent

Dear Friends,

I wrote this a few years ago and return to it now for comfort and strength:

At the invitation of this week’s Torah portion,
Chayei Sarah, the Life of Sarah,
let us enter Sarah’s tent.

Nestled among ancient trees,
adorned with threads of blue, crimson and violet,
sits the tent of our mother Sarah.

The door is open wide.
We bow and enter. 

Immediately
a warm radiance envelops us.
As we sit the earth meets us with a gentle embrace.

Our eyes adjust to the tent’s darkness and
we notice the presence of ancestors,
ancient teachers and guides,
some we recognize
and many we do not know.

Welcome, they say.
We are grateful for you.

Their light surrounds us with love.

Gently they ask,
What prayers are upon your heart?         
What are you carrying?
What do you seek?

In response to our cries, confusion, fear and despair
they hold us close.

We will help you, they say.

Call upon us
with words, with silence,
with songs, with tears.

We are always here.
And we will help you.

Call upon us.

May we turn to our ancient mothers
and let their love, courage and strength hold and guide us.

With love and blessing,
Rabbi Yael

Chayei Sarah: The Life of Sarah and the Gifts of the Mothers
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