This poem is based on the Jewish wedding custom wherein the bride circles the groom seven times underneath the Chuppah. Written from the perspective of the bride, the poem provides a blessing or intention for each of the circles, based on the Kabbalistic concept that each one represents one of the seven lower sefirot (the attributes through which God reveals Himself in the world). This poem was shared on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
Seven Circles
Beneath this fragrant canopy, our home
The seven circles of my love for you
The seven blessings of our wedding day.
Seven are our vows today, my love
Seven the days of the week
And the Sabbath is the seventh day
The Holy Bride, the Sabbath Queen.
The first circle is chesed
I circle you with lovingkindness
The second circle is gevurah
I bless you with strength
The third circle is tiferet
May harmony rule in our home
The fourth circle is netzach
The circle of victory
May goodness triumph always
The fifth circle is hod
The shining radiance of God's glory
Reflected on our faces today
On our wedding day
The sixth circle is yesod
The firm foundation
May the bedrock of our love and faith
Sustain us come what may
The seventh circle is malchut
The sphere of Kingship
Today I am your Sabbath Queen
Yasis Alayich Elohayich
Kimsos Hatan Al Kallah
Your God shall rejoice in you
As a Bridegroom rejoices
In his Bride
Ve'erastich li
I shall bind you to me
Be’emunah – in faith
Be'hesed – in lovingkindness
Uv'rahaimim – and in compassion
With this dance
I thee wed.