Watercolor painting by Donna Coufal
Our lives are always changing, and change brings with it
fear of the unknown. The journey into the unknown
is fraught with danger, yet rich with possibility.
It has always been so — as Abraham and Sarah went forth,
as Rebecca and then Jacob went forth.
Our ancestors across time have looked to You
for protection, from the wild beasts of the road,
from the vagaries of weather. So too I,
in this place, in this time, look to You.
Help me to remember my strength and courage,
help me to see clearly, to listen deeply, to act wisely.
Every journey in life leads into the unknown.
May the unknown ahead of me offer blessing.
from Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat & Festivals (New York: Rabbinical Assembly, 2013)
