Simu Lev/Pay Heed print

Odeh LaEl (Simu Lev El Haneshama), a 16th century North African piyut (liturgical poem), reminds us that every morning offers a new chance to examine our souls and rediscover the goodness and jewels within that might have become hidden during the long night. As we learned the beautiful melody to those words at services one Shabbat morning, I wondered how the poet imagined those amethysts and opals on God's throne. Perhaps, like people made in God's image, they were also a bit rough and unfinished on the edges, clinging to one another as each reflected the light from above that illuminated their search.  Text: Odeh LaEl (Simu Lev El Haneshama), verses 1-4 Translation:Pay heed, pay heed to your own soul:Opal, amethyst and gold,As bright as is the sun's warm glow,Far brighter than the morning!I thank God who probes all heartsWhen stars sing in the morning.In this wilderness she roams,A gemstone hewn from God's throne,To redeem us from wrath's flameAnd light our way before morning.Awake!