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The Clay and the Potter
One of the celebrated liturgical poems that we sing on Yom Kippur eve is “Ki Hinei Kachomer” (page 66). Written by an unknown Ashkenazi author, it has been recited by Jewish communities since the twelfth century.
The poem begins by comparing our dependence on G-d to the dependence of clay in the hand of the potter, invoking a motif found in several biblical verses, such as Isaiah 64:7 and Jeremiah 18:6. It then continues to pursue this theme. In each subsequent stanza, G-d is compared to a different artisan—mason, blacksmith, sailor, glazier, weaver, and silversmith—and we are compared to the material that each expert manages, shapes, and controls at will.
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Each stanza ends with the plea, “Look to the covenant and do not regard our evil inclination.” We are asking G-d to remember the covenant that He made with us and to overlook our sins. This verse may have a second meaning as well, one directed to us: that we ought to remember our covenant with G-d and avoid being beguiled by the schemes of our selfish inclination.
Here are the first three stanzas of this liturgical poem:
Indeed, as the clay in the hand of the potter, who expands and contracts it at will; So are we in Your hand, You Who remembers our deeds of kindness. Look to the covenant and do not regard our evil inclination.
Indeed, as the stone in the hand of the mason, who retains it and fragments it at will; So are we in Your hand, You Who gives life and brings death. Look to the covenant and do not regard our evil inclination.
Indeed, as iron in the hand of the smith, who thrusts it into fire and draws it out at will; So are we in Your hand, You Who supports the poor and the destitute. Look to the covenant and do not regard our evil inclination.
