Holidays

 Torah study is not simply an intellectual pursuit, but a spiritual one. Thus, the study of Torah by feminists has yielded not only new questions and new interpretations, but new blessings as well. As you continue to forge new relationships with Torah and experiment with the boundaries of sacred text, you can do so with the aid of the following new liturgy written by contemporary women.

1. Kavannah for Study

Chochmot nashim banta veyta Bo-u sha'areyha betoda chatzroteyha bit'hila

Women's wisdom has built Her house. (Proverbs 14:1)

Let us come into Her gates with thanks, Her courtyard with praise. (Psalms 100:4)

Compiled by Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell. Reprinted with permission of the compiler.

2. Blessings for Women's Haftarot

Blessings before the reading

Blessed are You, Yah our God, Spirit of the Universe, who hovers over the face of the waters and replenishes the well of Miriam the prophet.

Brukhah At Yah, Eloheinu Ru'ach Ha-olam, asher m'rachefet al pnei ha-mayim u-m'maleit et b'eir Miriam ha-n'viah.

Blessed are You, Yah, Source of Life, who with abundant compassion draws words of Torah from living waters.

Brukhah At Yah, ein ha-chayim, asher moshah divrei Torah mi-mayim chayim b'rachamim rabim.

Blessings after the Reading

Blessed are You, Yah our God, Heart of the Universe, who attends to us and hears the voice of our hearts; have compassion on us and make audible the still, small voice.

Brukhah At Yah, Eloheinu Lev Ha-olam, asher samah lev eileinu v'shoma'at kol libeinu; rachami aleinu v'yishama kol d'mamah dakah.

Blessed are You, Yah, Joy of the Universe, who awakens our spirits that we may sing a new song.

Brukhah At Yah, Simchat Ha-olam, asher m'oreret rucheinu la-shir shir chadash.

^{For full explanation of these blessings and of the idea of women's haftarot, see Kerem, vol. 5. For subscriptions and back copies write to: Kerem, 3035 Porter Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008.}