The Power of Words

I am experimenting with my morning walk in the park with Bamba my loyal if a little unpredictable and excitable golden doodle.

This morning, I was thinking about the Jewish practice of Hitbodedut - talking aloud, alone, speaking from the heart. I thought I'd give it a go.

I couldn't think of anything to say, and felt a little stupid, to be honest.

I tried to overcome this feeling, leaning into the discomfort, but I was lost for words. So I reached for words that are already well worn, prayed every morning in our Shacharit service. I started to sing, Thank you God, ruler of all living things, for returning my soul to me.

I eased into it, lai-la lai-ing as we strode through the woods to the beloved opening at the end that reveals the beauty of the upper lake, seemingly still and silent, but teeming with life, more visible the closer I got. The cygnets have grown, the duck families are dipping in and out of the water, preening, breakfasting, whatever their morning routine is.

It felt so good! I observed, I sang, I tried to remember more Shacharit prayers. I started singing a refrain that was so poignant yesterday for a friend needing strength to face the day who found it in the Ozi V'Zimrat Ya - God is my srength and song - which we sang over and over until she (and I) felt that power enter our bodies.

Words.

Magical sounds from our mouths that can transform, that can evoke emotion, that can enrage, that change me, that change the world. It really is rather remarkable, isn't it?

I came home, feeling positive, feeling energised, feeling ready for a good day.

I remembered that I saw on Facebook last night that a live Shacharit service was going to be streamed from the most holy of Jewish places, the Western Wall of the Temple remains in Jerusalem (the Kotel). I found it and pressed play, to join in.

This gathering is a women only group that meets at the beginning of each new month, to pray together at the Kotel.

They started with Ozi V'Zimrat Ya. Wow. I felt connected immediately, despite the distance, despite the fact they were appearing on my phone screen: I felt intimately present in their service.

Then it becomes more and more clear that there were whistles in the background, and shouts of abuse from people surrounding them. Then I notice the police barriers and security guards.

It appears that the presence of these women praying, raising their voices with our ancient words of praise for God, is so offensive to others, that they need protection, and nerves of steel to continue their service.

There are tears. From me, from those women physically at the wall, no doubt from the hundreds joining them online.

Words. Powerful words. Powerful actions.

May God who makes peace in the heavens, bring peace to us, to the whole of Israel and to the whole world.

Amen

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If you would like to see the Women of the Wall's prayer gathering from this morning, here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/womenofthewall/