Woman Praying, Israel 2013
I was asked to create a prayer for the celebration of Israel Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, April 22nd, which I recited during the following Shabbat services of the N'shama Minyan, my synagogue's women's prayer group that meets periodically, led by Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein.
Israel, I’ve been learning much about you, your people, your history and your mission the past few years.
Today I would like to bless you because I’ve received so much joy in my studying.
So – Israel, may you continue to take your place among the nations of the world with pride but learn that sovereignty means more than freedom, control and security. It also means responsibility.
May you learn to accept criticism given with love by your brethren from around the world.
May you realize that you are strong, not weak and learn how to use your power wisely.
When you rule over those in your midst who are not Jewish, may you govern through the filter of our shared Jewish values and remember how Jews were persecuted through the millennium.
And may you be a light unto the world like I know you can.
Israel, I’ve been learning much about you, your people, your history and your mission the past few years.
Today I would like to bless you because I’ve received so much joy in my studying.
So – Israel, may you continue to take your place among the nations of the world with pride but learn that sovereignty means more than freedom, control and security. It also means responsibility.
May you learn to accept criticism given with love by your brethren from around the world.
May you realize that you are strong, not weak and learn how to use your power wisely.
When you rule over those in your midst who are not Jewish, may you govern through the filter of our shared Jewish values and remember how Jews were persecuted through the millennium.
And may you be a light unto the world like I know you can.
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