Dancing in the Rhythms of Life

 During Cactus Kallah last month in Tucson, I taught how to blow and to know shofar, and other teachers invited us to be introspective, build community, delve into scripture, and weave our souls with prayer and music. Guided by Rev. Gabbai Eli Shirim Lester, attendees* composed the following:


     Verse 1
When I see a blazing sunset
Or touch the dew on blades of grass
When I see a double rainbow
Or stop to smell a rose
I become aware that I am part
Of HaShems’ grand design

     Verse 2
All things in nature, dance to a rhythm
Rhythms of their very own, set in motion by creation,
Sacred, holy, moving sounds
It feels so good to share the dance, sharing love I co-create
Being part of all that is, I want to celebrate

     Chorus
So blow the shofar loudly, on every fresh new moon
Remind me that the hills and mountains dance like rams and ewes
Wake me up so I will notice, break me from my trance
So as I hear the shofar blasting, my own rhythm starts to dance
Holy sparks within me dancing, awesome truth and gratitude
Touched by holy divine presence, shouting hallelu

     Verse 3
When I stand before expansive vistas
Desolate desserts or grand canyons
When I hear the song birds singing
Or feel the power of the ocean
I become aware that I am part
Of HaShems’ grand design

     Verse 4
Earth-shaking, wind-blowing, raining for so long
Always dancing, always moving, always singing, their own song
Never-ending energy, praising all that is
This, the source of shofar sounding

     Chorus
So blow the shofar loudly, on every fresh new moon
Remind me that the hills and mountains dance like rams and ewes
Wake me up so I will notice, break me from my trance
So as I hear the shofar blasting, my own rhythm starts to dance
Holy sparks within me dancing, awesome truth and gratitude
Touched by holy divine presence, shouting hallelu

     Ending
I rejoice in dance and song
I celebrate the One we are
Blissful, holy, syncopation
dance in joy to the shofar

Words by attendees of 2012 Cactus Kallah, 2012-March-15, based on Psalms 81 and 114
Music by Eli Shirim Lester
Limited Reproduction Licensed by Eli Shirim Lester

Copyright 2012, Wellspring Circle Publishing, BMI, all rights reserved

* I had had to leave the gathering before the song was composed.