Jewish Relationships Initiative

Category: Prayer

  • Yizkor 8785

    October 7 marks the solemn first anniversary.

    These are the individuals we have lost.  If you are blessed not to need to attend Yizkor services for lost loved ones this year, show up to share a moment of remembrance for these souls.

    https://www.timesofisrael.com/those-we-have-lost/

     

  • Shabbat Shuva Shalom

    Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, is the Shabbat between Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur.

    Nesshama Carelbach’s beautiful rendition of her father’s song is a wonderful way to welcome us to this special time.

    Close your eyes and become a part of this meditative experience.

    G’mar chatima tova, May you have a good seal- May it be a year of health and blessing.

  • L’Shanah Tova uMetukah

    L’Shanah Tova uMetukah

  • Shabbat Shalom

    During Elul, we include Psalm 27 in our prayers.  Line 4 is most familiar, performed by the incomparable Chava Mirel and translated by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat:

    Only one thing do I ask of You, Yah:
    Just this alone do I seek, I want to be at home with you, Yah,
    All the days of my life.
    I want to delight in seeing You.
    Seeing You when I come to visit You in Your temple.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    As we prepare to enter Shabbat, I pray for the Peace of Jerusalem,

    A place and time where we can live together, honoring the humanity in all of us.

    Thank you Cantor Rachel Brook for this moving rendition of our prayer.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Another week of anxious anticipation.  In Israel, it is peaceful but tense as the Iranian reprisal waits for its moment.

    Israelis traditionally use the phrase ‘Laila Tov’ to wish each other a peaceful and restful night.

    Many have started using the phrase ‘Laila Shaket,’ wishing for a quiet night.

    May this Shabbat be quiet and good and of Peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • erev shel shoshanim

    Erev Shel Shoshanim-Evening of the Lillies is a song of love poetry, a way to understand the beauty of Shabbat. This version is Jane Bordeaux’s.

    We welcome Shabbat. As tensions run high and hot, we are praying for peace.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    This Shabbat, peace seems as elusive as ever.

    We pray for peace for all seekers of peace and to bring the captives home.

    Oseh Shalom bimromav Hu ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yoshvei teiveil, v’imru Amen.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • Shabbat Shalom

    Sara Baeilles composed and performed “Playing for Change,” Music’s power to transform us and bring peace.  Thank you to Playing For Change

    Enjoy the music.

    Shabbat Shalom

  • A prayer for Memorial Day

    Our God and God of our ancestors,
    as we [prepare to] observe another Memorial Day in America,
    bless us with the gifts of memory and understanding,
    that we may appreciate the true meaning of this [that] day,
    an annual occasion to honor the brave men and women
    who gave their lives for our country
    and for their fellow citizens.

    God of compassion,
    let those who made the ultimate sacrifice,
    so that we may live in freedom,
    rest in peace,
    honored by a grateful nation.
    Remember their parents,
    partners,
    children
    and all the loved ones they left behind.
    Protect and comfort them;
    bring them peace.

     
    God of justice,
    remind us of the debt we owe
    to those who lost their lives in the defense of our nation,
    and to the families that go on without them.
    Fill the heart of every American
    with pride in those who served,
    and caring concern for their survivors.

     
    May it be Your will
    that every American be re-dedicated
    to the task of building a nation
    worthy of the sacrifices made by our honored dead.
    And may it be Your will, also,
    that all of us pursue a just peace throughout the world,
    so that no more lives are lost in armed conflict
    anywhere in Your creation.

    by David Abernethy

    David Abernethy practices law in the Philadelphia area and is a member of the Beth Am Israel community in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania.
    And let us say Amen.