ever ever
in the crevices
the never-ending efforts of
the grandmother's tendons tending to her bread and empty chairs
left for Elijahs
where are they now

in caverna, in caverna

- from To the Hands by Caroline Shaw

At Jewish seders, there is often an extra wine glass left on the table for Elijah the prophet. And at the bris ceremony, there is an empty chair left for Elijah, so he may observe the ceremony and testify that yes, the Jewish people are keeping their covenant with God. Yes, the community is faithful and they have not abandoned their promises.

What is the last promise you have upheld? How do you demonstrate commitment to your faith, your family, your tribe? What is the point of teaching your children to uphold the same promises that your parents taught you to uphold?

Do Jewish people earnestly believe that the soul of the prophet Elijah is looking on, like Christians believe G-d is watching their every trip to the grocery store? Or do they see it as just a gesture of tradition, a small sacrifice on the altar of the fantastic?

are you reaching out