There is usually a "hum" in the synagogue -- not noise per se, but an outcome of the special joy of being in community. However, after our son-in-law, Avram, made the blessing dedicating a portion of the Torah reading, a profound quiet covered the crowd. "May the One who blessed our ancestors bless the newborn and may she be called in Israel: GEFEN YAEL." Silence erupted into celebration; people sang and threw candy. The parents smiled; the grandparents shed tears of joy.
Gefen means "vine" -- a sturdy, steadfast carrier of many kinds of fruits. Gefen has a long and noble history of being transplanted. Israel itself is called a gefen transplanted back to its home from Egypt.
All fruits that come from a gefen receive the blessing, "Baruch ata...borei p'ri ha'etz/Praised are You who creates the fruit of the tree." Only over wine is God celebrated as "borei p'ri ha-gefen"/creator of the fruit of the vine. Of course, wine is not a fruit nor is it a creation unique to God. Rather, wine attests to a unique partnership between the Creator and the creative. We give credit to the Creator and to the carrier of fruit and tradition -- for our Gefen.
The name Yael locates the baby in wide and small circles of memory. Yael was a biblical hero. But Yoel, Gefen's great-grandfather of blessed memory, was a hero of her family in recent memory. Yoel, Julius, was kindhearted and wise. He could build almost anything, specializing in building relationships with his grandchildren. May his fruits be carried by this new Gefen Yael, this steadfast vine nourished by soil and soul. Mazal Tov!
Mazel Tov! We are thrilled for all of you and look forward to meeting Gefen in person. She is beautiful as is your entire family. Love the picture. Maya and Daniyel look so grown-up.
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to seeing our Jules and Jack tomorrow evening. I will show them pictures of their new cousin. This Thanksgiving is certainly one in which all of us should be very thankful.
Love to all. Please kiss the kids (all three) for us!
Mazel Tov! Things progressed very nicely since one month ago when we all had lunch at the Sea of Galilee. You all look so good. So sorry you can't be with us for Thanksgiving, and Savta especially is sad not to see her newest great-granddaughter. But I'm sure she is thrilled at Gefen's connection to her great-grandfather, which it turn connects her to all of us in the family.
ReplyDeleteShalom
Mazal Tov! Gefen Yael is a gorgeous name for a gorgeous daughter. I can't wait to meet her and catch up with the rest of the family. A Happy Thanksgiving, indeed!
ReplyDeletebeautiful. mazel tov to all of you. Much love from the Goldpeople.
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