In 1979 artist and artist and author Judy Chicago wrote a poem that echoes the theme of the Aleinu prayer recited at the conclusion of a Jewish prayer service.
In 1979 artist and artist and author Judy Chicago wrote a poem that echoes the theme of the Aleinu prayer recited at the conclusion of a Jewish prayer service.
Alexander Jewish Family Service Friends –
In 1979 artist and artist and author Judy Chicago wrote a poem that echoes the theme of the Aleinu prayer recited at the conclusion of a Jewish prayer service. Her interpretation expresses her vision of complete peace and harmony, a balancing of feminine and masculine energies, which she hopes will be a precursor to a more peaceful time.
Merger Poem
~ By Judy Chicago
And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another's will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally in the Earth's abundance
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life's creatures
And then everywhere will be called Eden once again
The words of this poem have always been very special to me and have been on my mind a lot recently. At a time right now - when many of us are worried about the safety and security of friends and relatives in Israel - her words have been a source of comfort helping me imagine and hold tight to an image of a future where our differences will be celebrated and old wounds will be healed. As we finish up our week of work and enter into a time of rest and renewal over the next couple of days I hope that these words will also bring you comfort as well.
In the words of poet May Sarton:
“The most valuable thing we can do for the psyche, occasionally, is to let it rest, wander, live in the changing light of room, not try to be or do anything whatever.”
Whatever your tradition is for the weekend – whether it involves a Shabbat observance of some kind or not – I hope that you will consider creating some time to let your spirit wander and rest without the added burden of creating, doing or achieving anything other than rest.
Shabbat Shalom,
Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)
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