Bob Schwartz

The concluding service of Yom Kippur is Neilah, the closing of the gates of repentance. We have had our opportunity for introspection and commitment to do and be better. This is it.

Hours of services and a day without food are beneficial. But if we are honest, the mind wanders and the stomach growls.

I stared out the window as the sun set. Poems popped up like weeds. Here are a couple.

1

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where will my help come from?
Psalm 121

Sun sets behind the mountains
Scattered clouds surround it
Obscuring the last light
Or exploding in colors
The hills soon hide in darkness
Until the later waxing moon
Enlightens them and us

2

The gates are closing
No one told the coyotes
Roaming and eating
Four-footed shofars
Howling the holiday out

© 2023/5784 by Bob Schwartz