Baruch atah, Adonai
Eloheinu, Melech haolam,
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav
v’tsivanu l’hadlik ner
shel Hanukkah.
Praised are You, Lord
our God, Ruler of the universe,
who made us holy through Your commandments
and commanded us to kindle
the Chanukah lights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Praise You Jesus, Lord at thy birth,
Son of God, Love's Pure Light,*
Whose greatest Commandment is to Love,
and Whom John testified is
the Light of the world.**
Blessed are you, Mary,
Queen of our hearts, Mother of Israel's Hope,***
who blessed us with your Son to help us be holy,
allowing your home to become like a menorah centered in
Jesus, the Shamash.
Blessed are you, Joseph,
Light of the patriarchs, Foster-father of Jesus,
who taught Jesus (the Son of God!) how to pray,
and who with the Holy Family did kindle
the Chanukah lights.
Blessed are you -- yes you!
A child of God our Father, you are loved!
Contemplate the miracle of Chanukah with the Holy Family,
and Jesus our Shamash kindling in your heart
the Light of the world.
(*Silent Night lyrics
**John 1
***Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God's religious order's title)
Categories:
shamash, chanukah, hope, inspirational love,
Form: Free verse
IN MEMORY OF CENTURION
GAIUS LUCIUS MANIUS
PRIMUS PILUS FIRST COHORT
LEGIO VI VICTRIX
HE SPENT HIS PENSION
IN CISALPINE GAUL
WHERE HE RAN
AN HONEST BROTHEL
HIS FUNERAL WAS GRACED
BY A MURDER OF CROWS
AND GRIEVIOUS LAMENTATIONS
IN THE NAME OF FAIR ISHTAR
DAUGHTER OF SIN AND SHAMASH
Categories:
shamash, allegory, death, history, morning,
Form: Elegy
The Festival of Lights, Chanukah has arrived
a hopeful time of praise each year revived.
The Menorah lit, each home becomes a church.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe.
Our sister Miriam lights the shamash taper first
a maiden fair and scholarly her prayers rehearsed
to bring together all that's beautiful, diverse.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe.
Eight nights we praise the L-rd for gifting us with Light
and pass around small things which bring delight.
We rejoice. In brotherhood we are immersed.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe.
May G-d in his greatness light all your days
May family, friends, and foes mend their ways
for all have needs, let kindness tame their thirsts
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe.
*Bo-ruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sho-nu Be-mitz-vo-sov Ve-tzi-vo-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Cha-nu-kah.
* Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Chanukah.
Categories:
shamash, faith, family, happiness, universe,
Form: Kyrielle