Slichot

Slichot (performed by Judith Ravitz, 1977)

The Approach

We have traveled so very far in darkness, but now we discern Your dwelling place before us. We humbly approach Your glorious mountain, as You lovingly approach our ravished hearts. We have come from the cold and barren lands to the green of Har Sinai and the warmth of Your living fire. Our legs thrashed, our feet broken, but hope in You fills our minds, our hearts, our eyes. As You extend Your Arm to give, we extend ours to receive. Through valley and over precipice, the journey has rendered us breathless - fill us with your Ruach. Your breath. Your Spirit, L-RD. Renew us in Your Light.

Impaired

Father, blind me. Take my sight. Remove these scales I've called eyes. Cause me to see Your creation as You see it. Make me to stare, focus and wince at the things You do. Let the only light that enters my eyes be Your own. Let it fall on my face like rain. Let it illuminate going in and reflect going out. And let me see the world to be.

Father, deafen me. Fill my ears with the sound of the shofar, the voice of many waters, rocks crying out, and Your call, with which You wake the dead. Withhold from me frequencies that interfere with Your own and render me deaf to the gentle beckoning of those outside Your path. Let me hear Your cry for Your sons and daughters in a way that I will not forget.

Hurry, my Redeemer!

Hasten, O Friend divine, to Your House serene. We may have strayed from the right path, but we have paid the price in every type of pain. You L-rd are our defense and hope. Each day we wait for Your grace to redeem us and make us a watered garden.

Hasten, O Friend, to our sacred temple. Our sins have mounted high, but see us bound in chains. You are our Holy Redeemer. To You we bring our earnest plea to turn to us in favor and make us free.

Hurry, my Love!

Hasten, O Friend divine, to the city of Your presence. Though we have broken Your covenant, return in mercy to the temple of Your love. Fulfill the promise of deliverance. Renew Your city in joy. Make her an object of rejoicing once again.

Hasten, O Friend, to Your temple of peace. Though we have strayed from Your path, look upon us with favor and help a people afflicted and harassed. Make an end to anger. Shelter them beneath the wings of Your love.

Hurry, Friend!

Hasten, O Friend divine, the time of our love's renewal. Return to us in mercy. The wicked kings of the heathen lands have all but consumed us. Uproot and destroy them from our midst. Restore Your city and make us a people of song again. May the hour of our Redeemer draw near.

Hasten, O Friend, the time of redemption promised by the prophets. Lift from us the darkening shadows. Raise up and exalt a people that have long known insult and bestow on them wisdom, to teach and to cleanse the many nations. Reveal Your saving might. Proclaim the hour of redemption.