fbpx
[additional-authors]
October 28, 2020
Photo by Cultura/Lindsay Upson/Getty Images

Consider the very first Jew – Abraham.

Not even his name when the whole thing started.

Had a reputation. The kind of kid

 

who would destroy the family business.

out of principle. Married the first nice Jewish girl.

Neither of them actually Jewish

 

when the whole thing started.

The very first converts. Broken idols

noticed by the One who would not be idolized.

 

The One who gave them the deal of a lifetime.

Go to the shown place. Pack up everything.

No-one likes to move. Something’s going to get broken.

 

Something’s going to get lost.

But consider what was gained.

Longer names…holier names…

 

and a bloodline long enough

to see the whole world still trying

to get to the shown place.

 

I’d like to trade all my possessions

for the Hebrew letter hey.

Pick up extra work as a star in the sky

 

promised to an ancient ancestor.

That deal you made, Father Abraham.

The ink’s still drying.

 

I’m a grain of sand.


Rick Lupert, a poet, songleader and graphic designer, is the author of 23 books including “God Wrestler: A Poem for Every Torah Portion.”

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Difficult Choices

Jews have always believed in the importance of higher education. Today, with the rise in antisemitism across many college campuses, Jewish high school seniors are facing difficult choices.

All Aboard the Lifeboat

These are excruciating times for Israel, and for the Jewish people.  It is so tempting to succumb to despair. That is why we must keep our eyes open and revel in any blessing we can find.  

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.