5786 B’reishit Haiku

B'reishit

How this came to be
From divinely spoken word
Faith science fusion

Noach

As did the flooding,
The descendants of Noah
Covered all the earth.

Lech L'cha

Our fore-wanderer
Inexplicably chosen
Renamed with God's mark

Vayeira

Angels urging him:
"Flee imminent destruction"
Solidified tears

Chayei Sarah

A veiled Rebekah
Fulfilled Eliezer's oath.
Love bloomed at sunset.

Tol'dot

Brotherly discord
A spurned and sullen Esau
Pleads for a blessing

Vayeitzei

Jacob and Laban
A pendulum of revenge
God's hand everywhere

Vayishlach

Israel's return
Promises come full circle
And poignant farewells

Vayeishev

Joseph declared dead
Inconsolable father
Complicit brothers

Hanukkah 5786

The shortest of days
Fully illuminated,
If we kindle it

Mikeitz

Dreams interpreter
Masterful psychologist
Transformed by Pharoah

Vayigash

Weary and wary
Paternally devoted
Their survival locked

Vayechi

In Diaspora,
Hold fast to identity,
Planting seeds of hope.