Valerie Bacharach: The Synagogue
Someone enters the sanctuary, picks up the chair
thrown by the Rabbi,
places it gently with the others, a straight row
waiting for bodies.
Someone checks the doors of the ark,
makes sure they are secure as they guard
the holy Torah.
Someone looks up, sees the Ner Tamid,
the eternal light, still shining,
sets out candles and Kiddush cup for Shabbat.
Someone carefully unlocks the door
to let in congregants. Just a few men
and women, sitting together, hearts united.
.
The Rabbi stands on the bimah, says the blessing
over candles, adds the Shehecheyanu, thanking God
for the miracle of this day,
leads everyone in prayers of praise,
.
as doors are locked,
as armed guards patrol the grounds.
Copyright 2022 Valerie Bacharach
On Saturday, January 15, 2022, four people were held hostage at Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker threw a chair at the gunman and then escaped with two other hostages after a 10-hour standoff, crediting past security training for getting himself and his congregation out safely. (photo: Google Maps)
Vox Populi 
Curious as to why the word for ark is spelled arc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was my spelling error. It should be ark.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for catching this, Sister. I’ve corrected the spelling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gentle and heartbreaking. Amazing courage of the rabbi and the writer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes there are heroes
LikeLiked by 1 person