Elections can be challenging times for our country, and this year has been especially difficult for many. Voting makes us feel empowered, but waiting for the results, and potentially accepting a leader who was not our choice may lead to a sense of powerlessness and anxiety. In this time of rhetoric from all sides, hopefully we can all find a way to be messengers of peace and patience, knowing that the results from this election may not be clear by the end of Tuesday night.
In the early days of our country, Jews were not always granted the right to vote. It is a blessing that today we have the right to express our choices and play a part in shaping our government. I hope that you will go out and vote today if you haven't already. It is a mitzvah to vote and a Jewish obligation to play a role in participating in governance wherever we live.
To help you create a sense of intention, I offer you this prayer for voting:
As I cast my ballot I thank the Source of Life that I have a vote and voice.
May my vote be counted faithfully along with all those who have voted,
and may it play a part in bringing peace, justice and compassion to our country.
Grant wisdom, fairness and empathy to whomever we elect
so that we may establish a good government that will bring
healing and peace to our land, to Israel and to all the world.
May You give a listening heart to whomever we elect
and may it be good in Your eyes to raise for us a worthy government
that will bring our citizens together in mutual respect and understanding.
May those who lead our country be imbued with the understanding
that we are all created with Your Divine spark,
worthy of being heard, worthy of being cared for.
In this very strange and uncertain time,
may we find in ourselves the patience to wait,
for every vote to be counted and every voice to be heard,
affirming our acceptance of the democratic principals upon which the United States was founded.
Just as I have participated/Just as I will participate in the election,
so may I aspire to do good works and to repair the world
through what I say and what I do.
We all play a part in building a future for our children.
May that be a future based on cherishing and caring for
all human life and this beautiful planet upon which we live.
As Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel taught,
"The world stands on three things: on justice, on truth and on peace."
May our nation and our elected leaders exemplify this teaching,
and may our country always shine as a beacon and an example of what democracy can be.
Let us say, amen.
If you need any support or help, please know that we at the Temple are here for you and don't hesitate to reach out.
Don't forget to vote!
L'shalom,
Rabbi Melinda Panken
