The Fruit of Hands

By Beth Murch

I am an earthen vessel
For other-worldly fire
I carry my Torah
Under my heart
I turn my face towards the hot sun
I whisper Shehecheyanu
While the imahot, the matriarchs
Lay the midwife’s bricks
As the earth presses
Up
Against my feet
I push
Downwards
Catching the Jewish nation
In the same hands
That braid challah
That build homes
That tally sums
And begin the work
Of finishing
Creation.

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By Beth Murch More articles... |

Beth Murch lives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and has recently completed her Master of Arts degree with a special focus on the religious and spiritual experiences of Orthodox women during pregnancy and childbirth. She very much looks forward to the day that she will be able to write on this topic from a personal perspective.

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Latest Comments:

Posted: Apr 24, 2007

wonderful imagery and a beautiful metaphor! thank you for writing it!

Posted By Tovli

Posted: Mar 13, 2007

The Fruit of The Hands - Beth Murch

The words truly capture the birth and continuates of life as it pertains to spirit and to reality.

Posted By Marion Murch, Sarnia, Canada

Posted: Mar 13, 2007

Beth Murch

I have always been a fan of this particular author, although the context is foreign to me, the imagery is beautiful and touching.

Posted By Lindsay Wilson, Hamilton, Ontario