The Shehechechchiyanu Blessing
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam Shehehchiyahnu vekiyamanu vehegianu lazman ha-zeh
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and enabled us to reach this moment.
Often in interfaith wedding ceremonies where one of the couple is Jewish this Hebrew blessing will be read by family member. Not until a summer wedding in 2021 did the translation of this beautiful blessing strike all of us like a lightening bolt. I find myself whispering this praise and thank you prayer to the Divine and thinking of the couple who brought it to my attention. I learn so much from all of you. Thank you.
Reflection: (Thank you, Jeff Wolverton, for bringing this reading to my attention)
"Marriage," Meher Baba says, "is to be undertaken as a real spiritual enterprise that is intended to discover what life can be at its best. It is and opportunity for two souls to establish a real and lasting understanding that can cope with the most complex and delicate of situations. It is a medium through which two souls offer their united love and service to the whole family of humanity."
Reading: Blessing the Boats ( at St. Mary's ) by Lucille Clifton
may the tide
that is entering even now
the lip of our understanding
carry you out
beyond the face of fear
may you kiss
the wind then turn from it
certain that it will
love you back
may you
open your eyes to water
water waving forever
and may you in your innocence
sail through this to that
Somehow these three readings strike a chord, the right note, as we switch from solo to duet and finally to a chorus.