Elijah’s Opening

Elijah’s Opening

The Rabbi held the mic like a south end rapper
giving downbeat and rhythm to a community nigun
freedom from bondage is our history at the Seder
prayers over kiddush cups so all of us commune

The Rabbi told the story of the Pharaoh and the plagues
marking spring for the people on the Hebrew calendar
Miriam brings the water and the mourners bring an egg
History of Exodus to Sinai so our children will remember

The Rabbi dipped the parsley in Jewish people’s tears
Inviting us to look inside and leave behind the epitaph
of Anti-Semitism descending in a world filled with fear
salvation won’t be found searching for another golden calf

Five thousand years walking out of our stuck places
crossing deserts where footprints leave no traces


Discover more from Zack Hoffman

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

1 thought on “Elijah’s Opening”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Zack Hoffman

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading