You can mark the time any way you like–
make notches in a tree,
though the tree might prefer not to take part.
That collection of watches, many near their end
and fallen to the bottom of your sock-drawer–
Einstein would remind you
that time might slow and eventually getA writ of divorce. Traditionally, only a man can grant his wife a get. Liberal Jews have amended this tradition, making divorce more egalitarian. us all.
You note the time here on the Belt Parkway
driving like a heathen for an early dinner date.
God never meant for you to drive due-West
still so light this late winter ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends.
through terrible sun glare, God’s reminder–
another Commandment is broken.
But plans are plans, and God can go ahead and laugh.
Then, you notice the time through layers and layers
of sun-struck clouds—green and grey, and pink and even mauve–
so last century– we know how God
takes the long view. They unfold, then unroll
almost like the TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general. the first time you saw it whole
and didn’t know a single word,
but knew how to behold.
Here’s God all right,
blinding as you peer aside your sun visor, as drivers must–
an improvisation–human, and real, and maybe God-inspired.
But then there’s God, the Great Improviser,
peeking through the clouds again
to remind you’ve almost arrived.
May we all drive well through sun and clouds,
and whatever else God has in store–
and may we all, soon and safely, arrive.
