Contributors

Alden Solovy

Alden Solovy spreads joy and excitement for prayer. His works can be explored at http://tobendlight.com/. A liturgist and poet, his work has been used by people of many faiths throughout the world. He’s written more than 750 pieces of new liturgy, offering a fresh Jewish voice, challenging the boundaries between poetry, meditation, personal growth, storytelling and prayer. He’s a teacher, a writing coach and an award-winning essayist and journalist. Alden is the 2019-2020 Liturgist-in-Residence at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Join the To Bend Light Facebook page and follow To Bend Light on Twitter to get announcements about new prayers and stories posted here, as well as (almost) daily mini-prayers.

Psalms, Poetry & Songs, High Holiday

Let Your Heart Stir

by Alden Solovy

This three-stanza prayer/poem reflects the spiritual journey of t’shuva, repentance and return. The first stanza represents the month of Elul, when we are literally called to introspection by the sound of the shofar. The second stanza represents Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment that also heralds the joy and hope of a new heart and another chance to live a life of holiness. The third stanza represents Yom Kippur, when, after 40 days of introspection and one intense day of prayer...

Prayers for Forgiveness, Psalms, Poetry & Songs, Commentary/Meditations, High Holiday

Meditation After the Vidui

by Alden Solovy

Here’s a meditation to be recited after the Yom Kippur confessional prayer. It can also be used during the Hebrew month of Elul as preparation for the High Holy Days, the Yamim Noraim. It is the companion piece to “Meditation Before the Yom Kippur Vidui.” Meditation After the Yom Kippur Vidui For the sins I’ve committed against myself, And for the sins I’ve committed against others, I offer a new heart. For the sins I’ve committed against my family, And for...

Prayers for Forgiveness, Psalms, Poetry & Songs, High Holiday

Meditation on the Vidui

by Alden Solovy

Here’s a meditation to be recited after the Yom Kippur confessional prayer, written to reinforce the core message of repentence and return. It was originally posted as a “Meditation after the Yom Kippur Vidui.” A friend pointed out that with a broader name for the prayer it can be used on Selichot, as well as throughout the month of Elul as preparation for the High Holy Days, the Yamim Noraim. Meditation on the Vidui For the sins I’ve committed against myself,...

Psalms, Poetry & Songs, Commentary/Meditations

Ministers of Earthly Blessings

by Alden Solovy

Angels are first mentioned in the Talmud in Masechet Brachot 4b. Quoting a Tosefta, we learn the number of flights an angel needs to get from one place to the next. Michael needs only one flight. Gabriel two. Elijah the Prophet, who was assumed into heaven and at times travels the earth, needs four flights. The Angel of Death needs eight flights. Except during a plague. .וּמַלְאַךְ הַמָּוֶת — בִּשְׁמֹנֶה. וּבִשְׁעַת הַמַּגֵּפָה, בְּאֶחָת And the Angel of Death, in eight. During...

Prayers of Celebration & Gratitude, Psalms, Poetry & Songs

For the Gift of Song

by Alden Solovy

For the Gift of Song by Alden Solovy G-d, we give thanks for the gift of song, For the gift of melody and harmony, For the gift of voices quilted together in chorus, Lifting praises toward the holy realms. Hear this prayer for those who chant in Your Name, Who chant for healing, Who chant to witness Your love, Your power, Your grace. Make their voices Your vessel. Let heaven pour joy through them So that they overflow with Your light,...

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