America Needs the Jewish Prayer for Our Country | JewishBoston
What I like about the Jewish prayer for the country is that it puts forward a clear vision of what we want from a leader.
By Ed Gaskin What I like about the Jewish prayer for the country is that it puts forward a clear vision of what we want from a leader.
TOP PICK JANUARY 6, 2022
Recently, I was given the honor of reciting the “ Prayer for Our Country” during services at Temple Emanuel, a Conservative synagogue in Newton. Since at least as far back as the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE, which was preceded by a series of kings who went from bad to worse, Jews have understood how inextricably linked our fate is to good government. The first prayer for the government was introduced into the Jewish prayer book in the 14th century....
.......My request is that when you hear or recite the “Prayer for Our Country,” you make it your petition to God on behalf of our country and those who depend on the words of this prayer to be fulfilled. Not just the widows and orphans, but those enslaved, incarcerated, addicted, abused, depressed, homeless or stateless, and all those unable to use their God-given gifts and enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
A version of the prayer reads as follows:
Our God and God of our ancestors, with mercy accept our prayer on behalf of our country and its government.
Pour out Your blessing upon this land, upon its inhabitants, upon its leaders, judges, officers, and officials, who faithfully devote themselves to the needs of the public.
Help them understand the rules of justice You have decreed, so that peace and security, happiness and freedom, will never depart from our land.
ADONAI, God whose spirit is in all creatures, we pray that Your spirit be awakened within all the inhabitants of our land.
Uproot from our hearts hatred and malice, jealousy and strife.
Plant love and companionship, peace and friendship, among the many peoples and faiths who dwell in our nation.
Grant us the knowledge to judge justly, the wisdom to act with compassion, and the understanding and courage to root out poverty from our land.
May it be Your will that our land be a blessing to all who dwell on the earth, and may You cause all peoples to dwell in friendship and freedom.
Speedily fulfill the vision of your prophets:
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. “For all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know Me. And let us say Amen.” |
