This is a deeply meaningful post. Some years ago I was asked to help a young couple who are Christian to find a font for a quote from Job, after they experienced a miscarriage. I showed them Torah calligraphy and the husband got a tattoo of Adonai Natan V'Adonai Lakach which they loved. Their Savannah was to never forget their first child. They went on to have a healthy baby.
Coming upon the words of the priestly blessing after reading about the sotah and the nazirite - and the many rules and rituals to be followed in the wilderness - felt like reaching an oasis in the desert. This God, who has been a demanding God - and a punishing God - finally comes through as a kind and loving God! Left me feeling peaceful and grateful.
When we were kids my dad used to read this to us on Sabbath, after we'd read the Torah, and later as we progressed through the entire Bible. These verses were like coming home, touching base before we broke our circle. Poppy would say "hold out your hands for the Blessing! Cup your hands, like so." And we would. Now that he's gone this Blessing means even more.
Jesi - wow - what a powerful and moving memory. Thank you for sharing it with us. The cup of blessing moves on through the generations and into all of our hands.. onwards, with gratitude and love.
This is a deeply meaningful post. Some years ago I was asked to help a young couple who are Christian to find a font for a quote from Job, after they experienced a miscarriage. I showed them Torah calligraphy and the husband got a tattoo of Adonai Natan V'Adonai Lakach which they loved. Their Savannah was to never forget their first child. They went on to have a healthy baby.
Coming upon the words of the priestly blessing after reading about the sotah and the nazirite - and the many rules and rituals to be followed in the wilderness - felt like reaching an oasis in the desert. This God, who has been a demanding God - and a punishing God - finally comes through as a kind and loving God! Left me feeling peaceful and grateful.
When we were kids my dad used to read this to us on Sabbath, after we'd read the Torah, and later as we progressed through the entire Bible. These verses were like coming home, touching base before we broke our circle. Poppy would say "hold out your hands for the Blessing! Cup your hands, like so." And we would. Now that he's gone this Blessing means even more.
Jesi - wow - what a powerful and moving memory. Thank you for sharing it with us. The cup of blessing moves on through the generations and into all of our hands.. onwards, with gratitude and love.
BearMaiden
So magical. Spellbinding. Your poppy passed on a legacy. Love this ritual.