As your hands work steady and with knowledge of all you do, I am inspired;
As you take the coat of lambs and stitch it into garment, I am inspired;
As you take “a little of this, and a little of that”, and form basic salt, water and yeast into living bread, I am inspired;
As you tend your garden, coaxing seed into living nourishment, I am inspired;
As you overcome the loss of a loved one, and regain a sense of purposeful life, I am inspired;
As you balance work and family, striving to instill moral values in your children, I am inspired;
As you suffer the pains of childbirth only to set those children free, I am inspired;
As you retell the family stories, giving evidence to tradition, love and respect, I am inspired;
As you honor, cherish and revel in the gift of female friendship, I am inspired;
As you live your faith, weaving it in the fabric of life and love, I am inspired;
And for all of these things that have set the bar high for myself and the other women, we are ALL inspired and truly blessed to have known you.
On the occasion of honoring Marilyn Robinson for her service to Temple Sholom, Bridgewater, NJ