Trying to believe

Ma gadlu ma'asecha ya
M'od amku machshvotecha....
Hallelujiah

How great are your works Ya (G-d)
How very deep are your thoughts
Hallelujiah

There were several times during Sisterhood Shabbat this morning that I actually felt a physical tingling sensation throughout my body, something that doesn't usually happen to me at shul. I don't know if it was being there praying with so many women; the English readings, which were very moving; or the community I felt with the women who had worked together on the day. But it was very other-worldly.

The speaker, Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz, was amazing. I don't remember so much of what she actually said, but more her presence was amazing. She sang these words (above) and talked about prayer, about G-d, about women and prayer, but more than that, she embodied prayer. Her presence felt prayer-ful. I am typically very cynical about prayer, but I was touched by her.

Also, when the rabbi announced the mi'shebeirach for cholim (the prayer for the sick), a whole line of people formed. There is a lot going on right now in the community, sickness both physical and emotional. I remembered reading something recently about how with the Torah open, there is a space open to the Divine, and perhaps those prayers will actually make it up to G-d. I was also reminded of someone once telling me how when a bride and groom stand under the wedding canopy, that there is an opening to G-d in that moment, and that some actually give the bride notes of supplication to G-d. Awesome.

Ma gadlu ma'asecha ya
M'od amku machshvotecha....
Hallelujiah

How great are your works Ya (G-d)
How very deep are your thoughts
Hallelujiah