These are the seven guests, ushpizot,
invited to our Sukkah –
Sarah
Took God in her name
just like her husband, showing
she was just as much a part of this.
Laughed at ninety years old and
then did the biologically impossible.
Miriam
Made sure the basket made it
to where it was supposed to go.
Our first singer and dancer.
Water followed her when
we needed it the most.
Deborah
A mother in Israel.
Fan of palm trees.
The only female judge.
The Ruth Bader Ginsburg
of her day.
Hannah
Also made a song –
But famous for moving her lips
without sound. When we pray silently
we’re doing the Hannah.
Avigail
Clever, but beautiful, but wise –
Married a fool. Prevented bloodguilt
with food and wine and her
peace-making words.
Huldah
Authenticates a found scroll before
we all had them in our arks.
We were practically idol worshipers
again at the time. We walk through
her gates in Jerusalem, knowing
she brought us back to the Divine.
Esther
It feels early in the year to bring up Esther.
Keep your libations on the shelf. Two cunning
parties, and her bravery, saved us all.
These are our celebrated guests.
Their stories are our stories.
Forever welcome
in this shelter.
Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 30 books including “Begin the Beget” and “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.” Visit him at www.JewishPoetry.net
