Twilight People Prayer

The project title is inspired by a prayer called ‘Twilight People’ written by US Rabbi Reuben Zellman. It is often recited for Transgender Day of Remembrance (please see supporting document attached). It is a reminder that the twilight is not necessarily a place of otherness, but can be a positive, plural space for everyone. The symbolism of the ‘twilight’ , the sacred in-between space – a moment of transformation and rebirth – has been used variously in many religions and faiths around the world.

Twilight People Prayer

“As the sun sinks and the colors of the day turn, we offer a blessing for the twilight,
for twilight is neither day nor night, but in-between.
We are all twilight people. We can never be fully labeled or defined.
We are many identities and loves, many genders and none. We are in between roles, at the intersection of histories, or between place and place.
We are crisscrossed paths of memory and destination, streaks of light swirled together. We are neither day nor night.
We are both, neither, and all.
May the sacred in-between of this evening suspend our certainties, soften our judgments, and
widen our vision.
May this in-between light illuminate our way to the God who transcends all categories and definitions.
May the in-between people who have come to pray be lifted up into this twilight.
We cannot always define; we can always say a blessing.
Blessed are You, God of all,
who brings on the twilight.”

Rabbi Reuben Zellman, TransTorah.org