Thoughts from a convert
Time was we lived beyond these shores,
And certain friends we had, which
Craved, as we, to learn and switch
From being non-believers to
Full-fledged, observant Jews.
We waded, tandem, through the tomes
Of weekly-portioned text
And wondered what was next.
We mouth Hashem's praise in mother tongue
As fervent tones escaped the lung!
The `whats' were not so difficult
The `whys' much more so.
Our heads and hearts would burst to know.
Were daily blessings, less or more
Than murmured thanks? Could we adore?
So eager, we, to acquiesce;
We struggled, though one doubt
Was written all across the pout.
Why should Hashem in heaven need
To hear man's puny prayer or creed?
This is, of course, correct!
Hashem needs no such bribe from us
He is perfect and need not discuss
Concerns with common, human souls.
Was He in charge of filling bowls?
We wrangled with the simple words,
"For You sustain all flesh."
Were children fed in Bangladesh?
How could one justify this phrase
If, truth to tell, great hunger stays?
We looked into our doubting hearts,
And found the crack that rends.
Contented creatures always tend
To justify this main regret:
They hate to pay their debt!
Hashem provides enough for all.
But elder statesmen speculate,
And greed will often aggravate
The hunger of mankind.
So what's with us, who've dined?
The table here was set and laid
With biscuits and gourmet tureens,
With dressing and with salad greens,
This meal our hunger surely stilled!
Our tummies eagerly were filled!
A hundred or a thousand men
Cooperate to make a meal.
Imagine how this makes us feel,
That G-d sustains His children thus
And gives such luscious food to us.
Sincere concern's commendable,
But while all souls the great world o'er,
Are not required to thank Him for
The food they never ate —
Should we eatå and forget?
What is Love?
by D.D.
Love —
That most sought after commodity.
Ethereal,
Ephemeral,
Elusive,
Love.
Loving is giving,
And also receiving.
Sharing,
And caring,
Daring
To show your weaknesses,
Your innermost secrets,
Your vulnerable self.
Loving is listening,
And really letting what's said
Enter your head,
So that you can find
A common thread
That together will bind.
