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A Ki Tisa Poem: Transmutation

Mar 12, 2025, 5:13 AM

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This poem emerges from a parashat that tells of a particularly dark moment in our history—a time when our people fashioned and worshipped a golden calf. In response, I chose to explore a positive theme of t transmutation within this parasha, focusing on transformations that are pleasing to Gd.

The ketoret קְטֹרֶת (incense) made from various spices holds profound symbolism. It burned from morning to evening. The root קטר itself can mean “to bond,” reflecting a deeper connection. The ketoret consisted of eleven components: ten representing the sefirot, along with one embodying the klipot (husks), unpleasant characteristics we strive to change by releasing their light.

Still partially shrouded in mystery, these spices were renowned for their medicinal properties and pleasant aromas. There were exceptions, such as one with a foul smell and another enigmatic ingredient believed to shape the smoke in a unique way, like no other. Interestingly, among these spices was the shell of a mollusk used to create blue dye—a symbol of the sustainable and interconnected nature of all creation.

Flame that burns

Peacefully

Glows on my face, heart,

And hands

What rare spices did I give for You?

What did I sacrifice for You day and night.

My heart steadily burns always for You

And it feels perfect.

Is it for You or is it to be me?

No one needs a golden calf.

I am with You in awareness.

You are my awareness.

I am humbled.

The 11 spices burning –

The number of klipot.

Some spices a mystery –

An unknown pleasure.

A warm, brownish-reddish hue;

A memory of your sturdy tree-

Both hidden and completely revealed.

Smoke rising perfectly vertically –

Must our own ascent be perfect?

Not all the individual scents are.

Our scented souls can always ascend.

The heart is always here,

And it knows how.

Everything is always together.

Every spice, every desire, matters.

No one needs a golden calf.

I am with You in awareness.

You are my awareness.

I am humbled.

Our flame burns always,

Steadily to live,

It burns spices born

From arid land and high mountains,

Thick forests, humid tropics, and sea.

We burn our blue-dye shells,

Husks born of toil, tears, and sky

Above, where smoke rises, disappearing

Into the world of breath and soul.

For more poems on Torah: Better Than You Wished For

About the Author

For questions and inquiries contact: oragadarah [at] gmail [dot] com She recently published "Better Than You Wished: Poetic Meditations from Torah, Science and Life," also available in French link here: [https://shorturl.at/ClD5Q]. It has been a best seller in the category of mysticism. Another book coming soon! Author, artist and Torah teacher, she focuses on relationships, identities and creativity. She has over 15 years of experience leading various Jewish classes and previously served as a synagogue board member and a scout leader. Also thanks to an eclectic life, at 11 years old she won first prize for best short story. She studied psychology, physics, and a variety of Jewish studies focusing on Jewish mysticism as a source of creative inspiration. She also did research with the world's most renowned scholars in creative studies. She is based in Paris (like her last name), where she promoted the first series of Jewish community events on sustainability and later other events to learn about interpersonal relationships. She is also known as Giulia Paris. You can follow her content on YouTube at: Ora Adarah G Paris

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