Baruch Ata, YHVH,
Elohey Yisrael, Avinu.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of
Israel, our Father)
Truly You, YHVH - Elohey Tziyon (God of Zion), are good to Yisrael and to those who
are pure in heart. But as for us, our
feet had almost stumbled, our steps had nearly slipped when we saw the
prosperity of the wicked; we were envious of the boastful. For there are no pangs in their death, and
their strength is firm. They are not in
trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Pride serves as their necklace, and violence
covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge
with abundance; they have more than the heart could wish. They would even drain
the waters out of a full cup and keep on returning to do the same. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning
oppression; they speak loftily as they set their mouth against the heavens, while
their tongue walks through the earth. They
say, "How does Elohim know? Is there knowledge in the Most
High?" Behold, these are the
ungodly, who are always at ease and increase in riches. It is sad to think that we were envious of
these boastful ones.
Surely we have cleansed our heart in
vain and washed our hands in innocence. For all day long we have been plagued and
chastened every morning. If we had said,
"we shall speak like them,” behold, we would have been untrue to the
generation of Your children, Abba. When we
thought how to understand this, it was too painful for us, until we went into
Your sanctuary, YHVH - Shofet Tzedek (Judge of Righteousness); only then did we understand their end. For You set them in slippery places; You cast
them down to destruction. O, how they
are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, so You, El Tzadik (Righteous God), when You awake, You will despise
their image. For indeed, those who are
far from You will perish, for You have destroyed all those who desert You for
harlotry. Because of this, our hearts were
grieved; and we were vexed in our mind. We
were so foolish and ignorant; we were like a beast before You, El Elyon (God Most High). Nevertheless we are continually with You. You hold us by Your right hand; and You,
Yo’a’tzey’nu (our
Counselor), guide us
with Your counsel and afterward receive us to glory.
Who have we in Heaven but You, El K’vo’dey’nu
(our Glory)? For there is none upon earth that we
desire besides You, Abba Ba’sha’ma’yim (Father
in Heaven). Our flesh and our heart may fail, but You are
Ma’o’zey’nu (our Strong Tower) and the strength of our heart. You,
El Olam (Eternal God), are our portion forever. Therefore it is good for us to draw near to You,
Elohey Chesed (God
of Mercy), and to put
our trust in You, Elohey Yeshua’tey’nu (God of our Salvation), so that we may declare all Your works.
