Called a me'ora ("light"), this poem can be read on its own or just before the first benediction/blessing preceding the shema, which reads: "Praised are You, O Lord, Creator of lights" (Baruch ata Adonai, Yotzer ha-meorot). Enjoy!

This type of piyyut--Jewish liturgical poem--is an ofan (literally, "wheel") and is meant to be inserted into the kedusha blessing in the daily and shabbat morning prayer service (optionally--you normally won't see one).

Note for davvenologists and poets: This type of piyyut--Jewish liturgical poem--is a guf ha-yotzer.

A poem by Henry Rasof to expand your Shabbat and weekday prayer experience.

BJN welcomes Henry Rasof to our ranks of posters. Please enjoy his liturgical, acrostic poem.