ISSRU CHAG: AFTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON

 

The shofar's put away.  The lulav rests.

To David's word of light* we have bade farewell.

The seven, or more this year, who were our guests

Have gone back to the heavens where they dwell.

For the Torah scrolls, another year must run

Till their next dance with us; and sealed and stored

The note of what reprieves and boons we won

When pardon, safety, bounty we implored.

But we have heard the shofar's piercing cry

And felt (through chill) the sukkah's warm embrace;

Aloud we have proclaimed G-d's sovereignty,

Our hearts have lifted with our dancers' grace.

We know: for these we live, whatever this year

May bring,  G-d is our light, we shall not fear.

*Psalm 27, recited daily throughout the holiday season.  "The seven" -- the "seven shepherds" of Israel, said to be present as guests in the sukkah.