a shofar rests on a table covered with talliot

The Language of Each Cry

A Poem for the High Holy Days

By Rabbi Stephanie Crawley

Blessed is the One who hears
the wordless voice of the shofar,
the language of each cry.

Tekiyah // Shevarim-Teruah // Tekiyah                        Shout // Grasp-Gasp // Rage
Tekiyah // Shevarim // Tekiyah                                      Mourn // Lament // Sigh
Tekiyah // Teruah // Tekiyah                                          Alarm // Battle // Prayer

May our cries fall
on open ears

Tekiyah // Shevarim-Teruah // Tekiyah                         Wail // Stun-Shatter // Scream
Tekiyah // Shevarim // Tekiyah                                       Silence // Tremble // Tear
Tekiyah // Teruah // Tekiyah                                           Weep // Break Break Break Break Break

                                                                                               Break Break Break Break // Open

May our cries fall
on open ears

Tekiyah // Shevarim-Teruah // Tekiyah                        Judgment // Wait-Work // Justice
Tekiyah // Shevarim // Tekiyah                                      Seek // Reach Reach Reach // Repair
Tekiyah // Teruah // Tekiyah                                          Memory // Birth // Purpose

May our cries fall
on open ears

TEKIYAH GEDOLAH                                                        HOPE


This poem originally appeared in the September/October 2022 issue of the Vine.

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