Reflecting on a really terrible day, I find myself thinking about the "Prayer for Our Country."
It's a prayer that many Jewish congregations like Tree of Life would recite every Shabbat morning. I myself recited it many times at Tree of Life growing up.
It goes:
It's a prayer that many Jewish congregations like Tree of Life would recite every Shabbat morning. I myself recited it many times at Tree of Life growing up.
It goes:
Our God and God of our ancestors: We ask Your blessings for our country - for its government, for its leaders and advisors, and for all who exercise just and rightful authority.
Teach them insights of Your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness
and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst.
and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst.
Creator of all flesh, bless all the inhabitants of our country with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country.
May this land, under Your Providence, be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom - and helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any more."
And let us say: Amen.
