Debated whether to head this "Tuesday" or "Election Day". It just feels so significant. I know Holly gave a prayer yesterday but this was my plan for today - can we have too many prayers these days?!
Below a prayer for voting modeled after Hasidic meditations for immediately before performing various mitzvot (commandments). This prayer may remind us to be grateful for the opportunity and responsibility that we have to choose our governmental leaders, and it may remind us that voting is a holy act and a mitzvah. My rabbi adapted this prayer from the writings of Rabbi David Seidenberg; you can find his original version of this prayer in English and Hebrew at this link:
neohasid.org/resources/votingprayer/) Also pasted below is a prayer for the welfare of the United States, found in Siddur Lev Shalem, with the hope and prayer that this potentially fraught time will be a time of safety, security, mutual respect, and mutual compassion and concern.
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A Jewish Prayer for VotingWith my vote today, I mindfully intend to seek peace for my city and my nation, as it is written:
"Seek out the peace of the city where I cause you to reside
and pray to God for her sake, for in her peace you will have peace." (Jeremiah 29:7)
May it be Your will that all votes be counted faithfully,
and may You account my vote as if I had fulfilled this verse with all my power.
May it be good in Your eyes to give a wise heart to whoever we elect today,
and may You help us to establish a government for good and blessing
to bring justice and well-being to all the inhabitants of this city and this nation.
May You give all the people of this country the strength and will
to pursue righteousness and to seek peace as a unified force
in order to cause goodness, life and peace to flourish throughout the world.
[adapted from Rabbi David Seidenberg]
Prayer for the United States Our God and God of our ancestors, grant to our country the will and wherewithal to fulfill its calling to justice, liberty, and equality.
May each of us fulfill our responsibilities of citizenship with care, generosity, and gratitude, ever conscious of the extraordinary blessing of freedom, ever mindful of our duties to one another. Bless those who volunteer to labor on behalf of us all; may they find the strength and courage to complete their tasks and fulfill their dreams.
May our judges, elected leaders, and all who hold public office exercise their responsibilities with wisdom, fairness, and justice for all. Fill them with love and kindness, and bless them that they may walk with integrity on the paths of peace and righteousness.
Creator and protector of all, watch over our armed forces and all those entrusted with our safety, as they daily put their lives at risk to protect us and our freedoms. Be with them in times of danger; give them courage to act with honor and dignity, as well as insight to do what is right in Your eyes.
Fill us all with the gifts of love and courage, that we may create a world that reflects Your glory.
May we each respond to the charge of Your prophet, “For what does Adonai demand of You—but to act justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with Your God” (Micah 6:8). May the one who brings peace on high bring peace and prosperity to our world and keep us in safety. And let us say: Amen.
I know some of you may have voted already. I will be voting this morning. I figure we all need the prayers to get through the anxiety and suspense of the day! Please also use this space to share how you are feeling.
