On Saturday night, my husband and I went to a local pub to listen to music. Then we came home and went to sleep. This would not be worth noting except amid the background of the attacks on Paris, it feels noteworthy.
On Friday, as I left the house to attend Shabbat services, the news came through of unfolding attacks in Paris. Again Paris. Again terror. Again, and clearly not the last time.
Jerusalem. Mumbai. Nairobi. New York. And many many more.
Again, too much pain. Too many innocent lives.
In synagogue on Friday night, we prayed the traditional words of our people while holding the victims and the survivors in our hearts. Today, I share with you the words of modern liturgist Alden Solovy, which speak directly to our newest reality.
For Paris
Author of life,
Man has turned violent,
Crushing lives,
Upending dreams,
Attacking the heart of a democratic nation
With vitriol and hatred
In coordinated acts of calculated terror.
Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To the victims of terror in Paris,
Innocents murdered and wounded,
Men and women whose lives were cut off by witless aggression.
Remember the survivors of this horror.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.
Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of Paris Your protection,
Your wholeness and healing,
And Your peace.
Guide divin,
Main d’amour et refuge,
Accorde aux peuple de Paris Ta protection,
Ta guérison et ton intégrité,
Et accorde-leur Ta paix.
© 2015 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Shabbat
Pronounced: shuh-BAHT or shah-BAHT, Origin: Hebrew, the Sabbath, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
