A Few Words

My father’s mother lit 

two Shabbat candles

and prayed

as she held her hands

in front of her eyes

The challah she cooked

and braided the day before

remained on the dining room table

until my grandfather chanted

an ancient prayer over the bread

My mother never lit candles

or bought challah for the Sabbath

I don’t light candles

but each morning I silently

recite a Hebrew blessing
to begin the day