First fruits

רבונו של עולם -- Master of the Universe
שכינה, מקור חיינו -- Divine Presence, Source of our Lives:
We come before You today in celebration

And in gratitude. We come before You
Bearing the first fruits of spring harvest
Grown from this beautiful patch of earth:

Radishes and sorrel, herbs and grasses.
We come before You bearing the fruits
Of the Omer count we've just completed:

Lovingkindness and boundaries, balance
And foundation. We come before You bearing
The work of our hands and the devotion of our hearts

The labor of our minds and the fire of our spirits.
Infuse us with gratitude for these gifts
And remind us that they belong, as we belong,

To You. Blessed are You, Wholly One,
Giver of so many gifts to us
Which we return to You in love.

 

 

For the second year in a row, I was asked to offer something before the kiddush and after the Shavuot First Fruits parade at Isabella Freedman. 

Chag sameach -- a joyous festival to all!