Sign In Forgot Password

Heal us, we pray

02/06/2020 09:51:58 AM

Feb6

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers

Our nation has experienced the trauma of the impeachment of the President of the United States. As I have come to learn, trauma takes many forms, and its duration can vary from victim to victim. What we so badly need as a nation right now is courageous, moral leadership to help us heal. Where will that come from?  With no clear answer in sight, I return yet again to Psalm 121:

     I turn my eyes to the heavens; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from God,         Maker of heaven and earth.

All Americans want the same things: a roof over our heads; food on the table; clothes on our backs; equal opportunity for a quality education, job with benefits, and health care; freedom to practice our religion in safety and security. If we are able to temporarily shed our political inclinations, we are all the same. That sameness must come through to guide us through this difficult period. We must remind our elected officials of this, and their responsibilities to all of their constituents. Continued H speech is not only unproductive, but gives permission for all Americans to speak and behave the same way. The airways are overflowing with vitriol. Civil discourse is cowering in fear. As well-informed as I wish to be, I cannot listen to the news without shaking my head in dismay. The challenges our nation faced prior to the impeachment remain, and must be attended to. Continued kicking the can down the road is not creative problem solving; it is merely absolving oneself of duty to country.

We recite the following bracha thrice daily in our liturgy:

                Heal us, God, and we shall be healed. Help us and save us, for You are our glory. Grant                  perfect healing for all our afflictions, for You are the faithful and merciful God of                            healing.

I pray that God inspires each of us towards a path of healing. And let us say: Amen.

Wed, April 17 2024 9 Nisan 5784