March 2014 Writer's topic: Pets Before we begin let me explain a few small things. "Piyyut" is the Hebrew transliteration of the word that describes a "religious poem". "Piyyot" is the plural form of this term. Phaldor, according to Gustav Davidson's Dictionary of Angels, was the name of the "Angel of Oracles". I knew him as the "Holstein Cat" who, no matter how big he got, loved to ride on my shoulder. He was my cat friend for 12 years. Toward the end of his life, we spent a lot of time together and these eleven piyyot were a small gift he gave to me. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ [1] Who am I, Lord, That you should take notice of me? I, who have had but a few moments of sunlight upon my face I, who have dreamed dreams no Man can understand Who am I That you see me with kindness? Still I have worshiped you for the breezes and the fields and the ones you have sent to play with me. I have praised you in all my life being no more nor no less than the one you created me to be. Surely You, Master of All, can see my faults and failings and yet You give to me these few moments, these Blessings: sunlight on my face sweet breeze on my whiskers and simple joys of loving and being loved here in the shadows before the sunset Baruch Atah Holy One of Blessing ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [2] Soft grass for a bed A brick for a pillow Who needs more than this? Adonai is in this place And you do not know it because you do not know Him. Blessed Are You Adonai Rock of Israel ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [3] I had a dreamed of a place of kindness of a place of joy a place of Your Radiance: She came to me one day Her light filled me I saw the Joy in Her Heart and I would not -- could not -- forsake Her even if I might die She understood the decree that stood against me She lifted me up from that place of darkness and took me home Baruch Atah, Adonai Who sets free the captive ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [4] In this land, This Mesopotamia, They are strangers here Even as I, A descendant of Mitzrayim, am a stranger Together we dwell Together we share Together we praise The Holy Blessed One Who released us from the narrow place to the Land of Promise Baruch Atah, Adonai Bestower of Blessings ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [5] I was gleaning there beside the road when servants of a stranger king took me into bondage I look to the horizon I place my trust in You I was cast into the blinding light of their stranger prison Melak Ha Simcha to my right Melak Ha Dayan to my left I look to the horizon I place my trust in You I lifted my heart in prayer to You my soul yearned for freedom and release from the stranger's hard decree I look to the horizon I place my trust in You The prison door was unlocked The key cast aside At your word The harsh decree was forgotten I was free once more Baruch Atah, Adonai I place my trust in you ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [6] You have given me strength when I was weak and water when I thirsted and peaceful rest when I was weary Baruch Atah, Adonai who comforts the weak ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [7] I am angry that my body has betrayed me I am sad that my frailty and weakness robbed me of the things that I would have done, the person I wanted to become Yet Adonai you do not hold this against me you give me comfort and an understanding ear I do not ask for things that cannot be Baruch Atah, Adonai Giver of Peace ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [8] Blessed Are all of the days of my life for You have given them to me Baruch Atah, Adonai Giver of Life ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [9] The moments of life are fleeting They pass from one to the next ever flowing thing then their memories passing gone leaving only You, Adonai to cherish what I was and what I strove to be Baruch Atah, Adonai Redeemer of Your creation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [10] Adonai, You have told us: It never gets any easier than now Adonai, You have said to us: It is easier now for Teshuvah -- Turning to You, Adonai-- than tomorrow: Tomorrow we'll be farther down this road... Adonai, You have asked us again and again: Is that where you really want to go? Adonai, You have said: Remember the Nitzots -- the sparks of Holiness -- free them as you do, you free yourself Blessed are You, Adonai Teacher and Redeemer of the Fallen ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [11] Adonai my friends do not understand why I lie in the dust heart broken They cannot see though my eyes they cannot know my affliction They do not taste my tears nor hear the crying of my soul Praised are you, Adonai You alone are my Rock and Redeemer Praised are you, Adonai Lord of Hosts Who casts down the oppressor Praised are you, Adonai You alone are the Holy One of Blessing Grant me peace, Adonai That I might Lift my head And walk without shame Clear my vision, Adonai that I might once more see the greatness of Your Blessings I look to you Lord You are the only One There is no other To redeem me from my affliction Blessed are You, Adonai Healer and Teacher of Tender Loving Kindness --------------- Footnotes: "Baruch Atah..." - Hebrew transliteration which means "Blessed are You..." "Mitzrayim" - Hebrew transliteration which literally means "Narrow Place" which is also the name of the "Land of Egypt" or "the Land of Bondage" "Teshuvah" - Hebrew transliteration which means "Returning". Usually refers to someone who has "strayed from the path" and is "returning to the path" Melak Ha Simcha - Messenger [or Angel] of Celebration or Blessings or simply Joy Melak Ha Dayan - Messenger [or Angel] of Judgement. One might take this to mean the Messenger [or Angel] of Death.