Reader
SH’MA –

Our ears can hear,
but our beings must listen.
Close out, if for only a moment,
everything that pulls, distracts
and keeps us away from truly paying attention.

Congregation
In this moment I open
every pore of my being.
I listen with deep intention
to what my faith proclaims.

Reader
YISRAEL –

One who strives with El, the Holy One
and like Jacob is transformed for eternity.

Congregation
I know I have fears
but I must embrace the angel of challenge,
so I can grow and be a better person.

Reader
ADONAI –

The Lord and Master of each one of us –
each individual Belongs to you.

Congregation
You are my Lord,
the Master of all good and evil,
I must always choose to walk in your ways.

Reader
ELOHEYNU –

You are God to many,
yet you are the One.

Congregation
You are our God.
I share your presence and your goodness with others.
We are your family—
You are the great mother and father.
We are your children.

Reader
ADONAI –

You are Yud Hey Vav Hey—
the spiritual skeleton that supports,
every single human being.

Congregation
As I walk through life,
I am supported by your name.
My bones are strengthened
by the marrow of your essence.

Reader
EḤAD –

You are ONE –
You are a single strand
that began before time,
a multiplicity of possibilities –
the One, the only –
the first, the last.

Congregation
I am unified by your being,
ensouled by your presence,
attached and never alone!