The Truth

 

Dear JCCP/CBT Family,
 
Like you, I have been horrified and astounded by the news today from the nation’s capitol.
 
•      Rioters attacking and injuring federal agents and Metro DC police
 
•      The desecration of our nation’s capitol, and our sacred national institutions
 
•      An attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power that has been the pride of our nation since it’s inception.
 
Who would have imagined we would ever see such terrible events in our great nation?
 
So many of you have called me this afternoon or sent me emails to talk, to express your wide range of emotions, and to mourn this day in our nation’s history. I’m here for all those who need me.
 
This evening, and I suspect for many weeks, politicians and pundits will analyze today’s events, and interpret their ultimate meaning. But at this moment I want to share with you a simple religious message. It’s the words to the prayer for our country that we recite every Shabbat and holiday morning in our congregation.
 
I encourage you to say these words with intention right now.
 
I ask you to make a special effort to attend our evening minyan tonight, where we will say these words together. Please click here for the minyan.
 
May God bless our great nation.
 
Rabbi Arthur Weiner
 
*    *    *
 
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
 
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 anymore." And let us say: Amen.


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