July 2013: Rabbi Hillel said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?”
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The Whole Megillah 
This quote has always been one of my favorites and inspired me to write a poem:
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
And, if not now, when?”
Hillel (110BCE-10CE)
Mirrors & Windows
Look at yourself in a mirror!
The reflection that looks back
to greet you, is the same face
you show the world. This is
the one face that knows you best,
understands what you seek.
An indifferent world, may yet
seek to understand you, to
be with you, to hear what
your face advocates.
Now, look out the window!
Gaze upon a world of faces–
as if an eagle’s view
allows you to witness all, and
your heart’s attention
allows you to urgently see
each pair of lonely eyes.
Seek to understand, what
each face shows the world,
to advocate for those faces.
© April 2013
By Steve Pollack
Steve, thanks so much for sharing! I hope you’re going to send it out to a publisher.
I have not considered any publishing- but thank you for your kind encouragement, Barbara.
Shalom my Jewish Brothers and Sisters
I have written another poem that I wish to Share with you for this Shabbat.
Ane Adonai Rofecha
(I am the Lord who Heals You)
My Elon Vitale
Cries out fro the Depths of my Very Being
The Pain that I am Suffering
Overwhelms Me.
How Long Oh Lord?
How Long?
In the Night
The Room Fills
With a Softness
A Reassurance
I am not Alone
Nor will I ever Be.
fro = from I apologize for this error