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

Search
Close this search box.

For Jews Who Can’t

silhouetted woman standing on sand dune

This is a poem to be said by Jews who, for any reason, are not able to enter into or belong to a Jewish community


I am a Jew who can’t. 
Who can’t cater the shiva.
Come to the seder.
Cross the bimah
Or utter a word of Hebrew.

I’m not the one you pray for.
Because I’m not the one you see.

King David prayed for eyes open to Torah.
And yet I yearn for a community that is open to me.
A sanctuary for the invisible.
Not some refuge for arrogance, shame, and kings.

I want be part of, but for now, I remain unseen.
G-d, with Law and Love, help your teachings and Your People to please find me. 

Ritualwell content is available for free thanks to the generous support of readers like you! Please help us continue to offer meaningful content with a donation today. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Join author Evonne Marzouk to find ways to strengthen your experience as a spiritual being, expand your consciousness and deepen your ability to be present. Through study and creative writing, you’ll take away new strategies to use in daily life. 

Hope you’ll join us!

Get the latest from Ritualwell

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

The Reconstructionist Network