Lev Tahor: A Clean Heart

v. 1
The shed behind my house is filled
With junk that I trip over
I know I need to clean it out
It’s hard to find the time

The back room of my heart is filled
With anger and frustration
Doesn’t do me any good
I wish it wasn’t mine

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Chorus
Lev Ta – hor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruachLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam). chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit
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v. 2
Whenever happiness happens
I can’t seem to trust it
Like a rug that’s waiting to be pulled
Right out from under me

I want so badly to believe
That all the world’s made for me
Can’t getA writ of divorce. Traditionally, only a man can grant his wife a get. Liberal Jews have amended this tradition, making divorce more egalitarian. past the dust and ash
To trust in what I see

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Lev Tahor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruach chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit

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Break
I’m weary from this heavy load
Like a backpack filled with bricks
And things I cannot fix
All by myself

I need to put this burden down
And walk away from my old pain
Wash me clean like rain
And return to You

And return to me 

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v. 3
Put the broom into my hands
To sweep out all the trash
And the paintbrush and the can
To make my heart shine clean again

Dear God, the Great Whatever
Who brought me to this place
Give me courage to forgive
Trade my anguish for Your grace

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Lev Tahor b’ra li Elohim – Oh God help me clean my heart
v’ruach chadesh b’kirbi – and bring new strength to my spirit
 

Beth Hamon copyright March 2013