by Davi Walders
for our daughters
Carried from Sinai in the dreams
of generations, you, lovely daughter
have finally come. We welcome you
into the covenant of love that created
you. May the protective ark of family
and friends surrounding you this day
comfort you always. May God’s presence
that has brought us to this day accompany
you always. You are new life rising from
deep rivers of a strong people’s history.
You enter a community whose sorrows
have taught us to treasure each moment
of joy, each miracle of life. Your fragile
holiness hallows us, too, reminding us
that we also are bound to be holy, if only
for your sake, if only for the generations
to come. We welcome you into the strong weave
of Sarah’s laughter, Rebecca’s determination,
Leah’s commitment, Rachel’s patience,
Miriam’s wisdom, Hannah’s great heart,
and Tamar’s courage. Let your spirit always
be gladdened, your soul gentled by the strength
of your foremothers. You are a triumph–
your parents’ triumph, your grandparents’
triumph, our people’s triumph and the continuation
of God’s promise at Sinai. Born of the mitzvah
of love, your tiny fist curls around
the great gift of a new chapter. We pray
for your parents as they begin the journey
of helping you grow fully into you.
May you flourish in justice, mercy,
and loving-kindness. We celebrate
and bless you, naming you ________________ .
Brit Milah
for our sons
Carried from Sinai in the dreams of generations,
you, beloved __________, have finally arrived
with your own perfect body and sweet cry.
We welcome you into the covenant of love
that created you. May the protective ark
of family and friends surrounding you this day
comfort you always. May God’s presence that
has brought us to this day accompany you always.
You are new life rising from deep rivers
of a strong people’s history. You enter a community
whose sorrows have taught us to treasure each
moment of joy, each miracle of life. Your fragile holiness
hallows us, too, reminding us that we also are bound
to be holy, if only for your sake, if only for generations
to come. You are born into the protective circle of parents,
________ and __________, and the strength of your
ancestors Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah
and Rachel. May you have their determination to build
a strong and righteous people. May your spirit
be gladdened, your soul strengthened by this heritage.
You are a triumph—your parents’ triumph, your grandparents’
triumph, a people’s triumph, and the continuation
of God’s promise at Sinai. Born of the mitzvah of love,
your tiny fist curls around the great gift of a new chapter.
We pray for your parents as they begin the journey of helping
you grow fully into you. May you flourish under a rainbow
of loving-kindness. We celebrate you and your parents as you
enter the covenant bearing the name_____________________.
Davi Walders is a poet, writer, and educator whose work has appeared in more than 150 journals and anthologies. She developed and directs the Vital Signs Writing Project at NIH for which she received Hadassah of Greater Washington ‘s Myrtle Wreath Award in 2002. She often reads her Jewish-themed work, including selections from Afternoon in the Garden, her collection on Biblical women, in performances accompanied by cello selections of Jewish composers.