From Jerusalem
When the new moon arrives once again women gather
To claim sacred space near the holiest wall
Each one's prayer shawl unique,
We unfurl them like banners
As our voices are lifted
We answer the call.
Some women live here, others are visitors
We delight in our sharing of courage and grace
We don't fail to notice the police
Who are watching with video cameras
Recording each face.
These prayers are subversive, refusing to whisper,
What comes from our hearts, we bless and we praise
As the singing gets louder one hand joins another
A circle is forming, we dance unafraid.
Some yell, women's voices should not be heard here,
They distract from the men who are trying to pray
Each month we will come here, sustaining new vision
As our mothers before us on Rosh Chodesh* day.
Rabbi Paula Marcus
Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan 5772
*Rosh Chodesh- New Moon/Month
