“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4).
You who are a winged flier Who dwells in a nest on high
Beware the raptor’s talon The stalking gaze from above
Even treetops lay beneath the zenith Higher altitudes still above the clouds
You who fought shelled constraints Who drew from mother’s beak nourished
Do not fear the wolf’s howl The owlish hoot by night
Others may stray in wind currents strong Some from icy bite fly south
Be strong of feather and true of flight
For your form was crafted for air Your keen eye discerns slightest move
Your wings carry you above the fray Like angel’s rescue to salvation
Rabbi Benjamin Altshuler serves the Jewish community of Michigan’s Bay Area. He leads the interfaith efforts of the Greater West Bloomfield Faith and Community Alliance. Rabbi Benjamin sits on the Rabbinic Council of Avodah, of which he is an alumnus. When not exploring the outdoors, he enjoys welcoming havdalah with his wife and their cat, B’samim.
Thank you Rabbi Benj for sharing this image of staying true to your vision. Although it may be difficult to break away from the crowd, it is necessary to be brave and strong to reach for that something that will become our future and our peace.
Elul is a month for transition, reflection, and return to self, preparing for the High Holy Days in Tishrei/September. Each of these Etudes from Beth El members and wider Jewish community connects in some way to the Earth and to teshuvah — change, return, repentance — reminding us that we are in deep connection with all that surrounds us. Read more »
Thank you Rabbi Benj for sharing this image of staying true to your vision. Although it may be difficult to break away from the crowd, it is necessary to be brave and strong to reach for that something that will become our future and our peace.
September 9, 2026 at 4:14 pm