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Sep 22, 2024

the fire: a prayer in memory of those we lost on October 7 and those we've lost since

the fire: a prayer in memory of those we lost on October 7 and those we've lost since
rabbi menachem creditor
 

In our hearts
we now construct a holy space.
Within that space is an altar.
Upon that altar burns a fire.

It singed Isaac's body (Gen. 22:13),
and far more since.
It burned where Moses once stood (Ex. 3:2),
and has since consumed holy ground beyond measure.
Some survived being thrown into its flames (Dan. 3),
while so many others did not.

This ancient, devouring fire, when was it lit?
From whence its furious power?
It has turned since Eternity on the swords
of angels who forever mark the moment
we learned of death itself. (Gen. 3:24)

That fierce fire now lives
upon the altars within our hearts
where our lost loved ones
burn within us.

The fire has always burned.
It always will.