Red and Black

A Rosh Hashana Theater Ritual from Academy 23

A long shofar blast. (tekiah)

Elohim: Five thousand, seven hundred and sixty four years ago, you came into being.

In the Beginning, we Elohim created the Fiery Waters

and we created the World you know.

The World was without form and void, and our Spirit moved above the Waters.

And we said, Let there be light (light Fire) and there was light.

We divided Day from Night, Land from Sky, Ocean from Ocean.

And yet it was not enough.

And so we said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over all that we have made.’
So Elohim created you in our own image, in the image of God created we you

male and female created we you.

We formed man from the supple red clay, and so he is called Adam.

We created woman from the black and fertile mud, and so she is called Lilit.

Adam and Lilith arise (from under a sheet?), new-born.

Adam and Lilith: We proclaim the Law of Love, Life, and Liberty in the Name IAO.

Adam: I believe in one secret and ineffable G-d;

and in one Star in the Company of Stars of whose fire we are created,

and to which we shall return;

and in one Father of Life, Mystery of Mystery, in His name AIN.

Lilith: I believe in one Earth, the Mother of us all,

and in one Well wherein all are begotten,

and wherein they shall rest, Mystery of Mystery, in Her name SHEKHINA.

Adam: And we believe in the Serpent and the Lion, Mystery of Mystery,

in His name Adonai.

Lilith: And I believe in one True and Universal Law of Light, Life, Love and Liberty,

the Word of whose Law is BECOME.

Adam: Greetings of Heaven and Earth!

Lilith: Greetings of Earth and Heaven!

Adam: O circle of Elohim, whereof our Father is but the younger brother,

marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space,

before whom space is ashamed, the mind bewildered, and understanding dark,

not unto Thee may we attain, unless Thine self be Love.

Therefore by seed and root and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke Thee.

Lilith: O circle of Elohim, whereof our Mother is but the younger sister,

wonder beyond conception, soul of the massless point,

before whom time is ashamed, the heart bewildered, and wisdom dark,

not unto Thee may we attain, unless Thine self be Love.

Therefore by seed and root and stem and bud and leaf and flower and fruit do we invoke Thee.

<Adam picks up the chalice, uncovers it, and holds it with 2 hands before him.>

<Lilith places her hands over the chalice.>

Lilith: Barukh ata Allah

Eloheinu melekh ha-olam

Bor-ay p'ri hagafen.”

Adam: Blessed is the Holy One,

Our G-d, Ruler of the Universe,

Who brings forth the fruit of the Vine.

Lilith: L’shana tova.

Adam: A good year.

Lilith: L’shana tova tikatevu!

Adam: A good year, let it be written!

Lilith: L’shana tova, tikatevu, ketivah v’chatima tova!

Adam: A good year, let it be written, and let it be sealed!

Lilith: This is the fruit of the One Heart;

Drink of it, for there is no part of you that is not of the Elohim

Adam: This is the fruit of the One Mind;

Drink of it, for there is no part of you that is not of Elohim.