Akdamut

AKDAMUT On Shavuot, after the Kohen is called up to the Torah and before he makes the blessing, the following is said responsively by the Reader and the congregation. Leader: The beginning of words - the opening of speech: I shall ask permission and leave to begin. Cong: Trembling I open my mouth with two matters and three, by leave of the One who bears us through to old age. Leader: His are eternal mighty acts, which could not be laid out in words, even were all the skies parchment, and all the forests reeds; Cong: if all the seas were ink, and all the lakes, and the all people, scribes and clerks. Leader: The glorious Master of Heaven, Ruler of the land, founded His world alone, and took control of it. Cong: Without weariness He perfected it, without tiring at all; by the lightest of letters, something without substance. Leader: He summoned forth all creation in those six days; and then His shining glory rose, to sit upon His throne of fire. Cong: A heavenly host of a thousand thousands and myriads serve Him created each morning anew, so great is His faithfulness. Leader: Seraphim, covered with six wings, bow many times over, and stand in utter silence until they have leave. Cong: They receive leave from each other — and at once, without pause, His glory fills all the world, at their threefold sanctifying.