Before Lighting the Shabbat Candles:
Tonight, on AIDS Awareness Shabbat, we kindle these lights. Not only do these lights signify the beginning of Shabbat they symbolize much more. Tonight these lights represent the memories that continue to shine of those whom we have lost to the AIDS epidemic. Tonight these lights illuminate the path to wholeness and healing for all of us who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Tonight these lights ignite the sparks within that call us to action. Tonight these lights are beacons of hope for an AIDS-free world.
Before Ufros Aleinu:
Weary from anger, fear and confusion
Wailing at the loss of audacious beauty –
The souls stricken with AIDS
I search.
In my risings, I search for the answers
Buried deep in the cold earth.
Why has become as useless
As battling the winds.
Hope scurries under my feet
She is present, but fleeting.
I trace her with my eyes
I do not want to lose sight.
I lay down
And beseech You
Spread over me Your canopy of peace
So I may rest and find wholeness in Your shards
I lay down
And look above
Where the memories have formed
A canopy embroidered as finely as the stars
I am renewed and will continue to ask You
Spread over us Your canopy of peace.
