Lyrics adapted by Rev. Derrick McQueen from the hymn Holy Spirit Rain Down
These words, sung by Rev. Eugene Palmore on the heels of Yoruba Priestess Joyce Adewumi’s rain invocation calling on the ancestors of justice and peace, were an invitation for the rains to come – to help us start again – the cycle of Torah, the cycle of creation, the moral heartbeat of this country.
Not your typical Simchat Torah ritual – but, hey, that’s Lab/Shul, and this was Unscrolled 2020, a ritual rally for human dignity, celebrating Indigenous People’s Day and Simchat Torah.
We gathered outdoors on the steps of St. James Presbyterian Church and cast a circle as the ancient Hebrew words of death and life were chanted from the end of Deuteronomy to beginning of Genesis, a socially distant in-person and online multi-faith, multi-ethinic, multi-generational, multi-race crew re-dedicated themselves to talking back to injustice and systemic oppression through the ancient, archetypal narratives of Torah. Truly a sight to witness.
Being the day before Indigenous People’s Day, we called upon all assembled to continue the work of dismantling systems of oppression – healing ancient wounds and restoring more love in our world.
As is our “tradition” each year, we choose via “tarot” 5 words – one from each book of the scroll – to be a blessing and a charge for the year ahead. May this blessing continue to resonate as we move through the seasons.
Ko’cha’vei ha’sha’mayim – the stars of the heavens
With gratitude and love,
Naomi Less & The Lab/Shul Team
Scroll down for some gorgeous shots of Unscrolled 2020, by the phenomenal Jesi Kelley. We’ll be sharing more photos on our Facebook page, keep your eyes peeled!
