Preserve the memory of your loved one with a plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall. Learn More ->

Search
Close this search box.

For the Captives

a leaf that looks like a broken heart
For the captives:
Heart broken in two,
splitting like a volcano,
ashes of blood rising to heaven,
and then down to earth again.
 
I see the infants, children, young boys, young girls,
men, women, elders.
I cannot look at them.
I see the empty tables
waiting for them.
Tears flow from my eyes,
I cannot look.
The pain is too great,
but I cannot not look,
and so I look.
I look deep into their eyes, deep into their souls,
I keep them in my mind, my heart, my soul.
 
Where are they?
In darkness?
Light a candle for each one,
bring them light.
Bring light into them,
and bring them into light.
Holy Light,
holy Peace.
Stop our hearts from breaking,
put the broken pieces together again.
Make them whole, alive in the light,
make them whole, alive in our hearts.
Holy One, please bring them back.
Facebook
Email

Honor the memory of your loved one with a donation to support Ritualwell

Related Rituals

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Come together with the Ritualwell community on September 11th for a special hour dedicated to the Jewish values connected to pursuing justice. Registration for this event includes a special Resilience Boost package of curated resources of poetry and prayers to turn to for strength and support through election season 

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network