My soul shall declare to Thee that Thou art her Maker, And shall testify that Thou art her creator, 0 Lord. At Thy word, "Be, 0 soul," she took on existence, And from Thy Emptiness Thou didst draw her forth as light from the eye. It was Thee who didst breathe in her life; I shall proclaim and affirm this with uplifted hands. And therefore she shall pour out her thanks and give witness that she was bidden to do so by Thee. While yet in the body, she serves Thee as a handmaid; And on that day when she returns to the land from whence she came, In Thee will she dwell, for in Thee is her being. Whether she sits or rises, Thou art with her the same. She was Thine before she was born and breathing; She was nourished by Thee with wisdom and knowledge, And it is to Thee she looks for her guidance and sustenance, Grateful to Thee for her water and bread. She looks only to Thee, and hopes only for Thee.

(Salomon Ibn Gabirol)