Teach these words to your children and speak of them–when you sit in your house, when you go by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.
— Deuteronomy 6:7
As is our tradition, the first and last thing I do every single day is recite the words of Sh’ma. Those thirty seconds bookending each morning and evening remind me to never take a single day for granted, and this simple practice keeps me wholly connected to God as I take in those first and last breaths of the day. Additionally, over the past two years, it has been my deepest joy and privilege to fulfill the mitzvah of teaching these words to Ruby; she can’t fall asleep without singing the words of Sh’ma.
Indeed, the practice of ending and starting our days with prayer is one of the richest gifts of our tradition. Whether with the words of Sh’ma or the expressions of your heart, I hope that you are able to create a practice for yourself to frame your days with mindful recognition. I particularly love this kavannah (intention) by Rabbi Naomi Levy. May this be a good day for us all.
— Cantor Emma Lutz
A Morning Prayer
There are so many things I take for granted. May I not ignore them today.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember that my life is a gift, that my health is a blessing, that this new day is filled with awesome potential, that I have the capacity to bring something wholly new and unique and good into the world.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember to be kind and patient to the people who love me, and to those who work with me, too. Teach me to see all the beauty that I so often ignore and to listen to the silent longing of my own soul.
Just for today, help me, God, to remember You.
Let this be a good day, God, full of joy and love. Amen.
— Rabbi Naomi Levy