Dec 05 2018
Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov – Where I wander — You!
Where I wander — You!
by Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov
English version by Perle Besserman
Where I wander — You!
Where I ponder — You!
Only You everywhere, You, always You.
You, You, You.
When I am gladdened — You!
And when I am saddened — You!
Only You, everywhere You!
You, You, You.
Sky is You!
Earth is You!
You above! You below!
In every trend, at every end,
Only You, everywhere You!
— from The Way of the Jewish Mystics, Edited by Perle Besserman
/ Image by Lidusha /
Happy Hanukkah! I thought this poem would be a nice celebration for us during this season of light…
I love the way this simple poem fills us with the ecstatic recognition that God is in everything, IS everything. All of existence becomes a grand game of hide-and-seek.
A chant that can open the heart and eyes:
Only You, everywhere You!
You, You, You.
Recommended Books: Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov
Music of the Sky: An Anthology of Spiritual Poetry | The Way of the Jewish Mystics | |||
Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov |
Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov is a greatly beloved figure in Eastern European Jewish history. He introduced Hassidism to Poland as part of a spiritual reform movement that confronted the more rigid, intellectual forms of Judaism that dominated rabbinical practice in the region. Rabbi Levi was a student of the Hassidic master Dov Baer, the Maggid of Mezhirech, who was the chief disciple of the Baal Shem Tov. Rabbi Levi’s teachings emphasized joy, intensely devout prayer, and the importance of recognizing good in all people.
Ivan, always a gift to hear from you! The quality of your commentary on poem is worth the wait…Quality over quantity…Blessed holy-days for you and yours this season!
Thank you Ivan for these inspirational words of poetry. On a dark and damp winters day in England, these words lift the gloom and bring in the light. Thank you also for all your sincere and blessed words, they too are inspiring. I am pleased to read that your own spirit has been lifted and that you will continue to spread words of love, joy, and peace, both internal and external. I hope that you received the book of poetry that I sent you by Adnan al Sayegh. Like you his prayer is for love, peace and freedom to prevail in this unsettled world. May the peace of God, that passes all understanding ,be with you and your family, not only on sacred and special days, but forever. Respect and Blessings Valerie.
Dear Valerie ~ I did receive the book of poetry you sent by Adnan al-Sayegh — thank you! I received it and began reading it several weeks ago, just before I had a rather difficult bout of chronic fatigue. I’m afraid my intention to send a response fell away amidst that recovery period — my apologies. It is a lovely collection, haunting, powerful, rich with the human spirit–
With its watery needle
The rain is sewing
The shirt of fields.
~ Adnan al-Sayegh, To Cuddle My Exile
He seems all around
Its the magic of the love
Unconditional