This poetic prayer by Devon Spier explores the themes of chessed (kindness), social justice, and communal responsibility through agricultural imagery. These concepts are often associated with Shavuot, due to their prevalence in the Torah and the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read in synagogue on Shavuot. Devon Spier, a writer, rabbinical student and spiritual entrepreneur, shared her poem on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
A Blessing for Kindness on Shavuot
And let our kindness burst forth like a bountiful harvest.
Growing, life-giving, and available to every single one who seeks nourishment from the field.
And if we should find our self standing across from a stranger, or if we should happen to be a stranger in the company of one who is not, may we rise to meet the other with love in our hearts and the the wholesomeness of good deeds.
And may our kindness sustain our selves and each other through this and every season of life.