A prayer

Prayer for the state of Israel (part) / Rabbi Ofer Shabat Beit-Halachmi

     This prayer was offered during our study at The Leo Baeck Education Center, "committed on every level to the "ingathering of the exiles", Tikkun Olam and to the well being of democratic Israeli society.  It is deeply committed to the founders' vision of the state of Israel to be a force for good in the world and to eliminate inequality and discrimination in Israeli society."

     (Just returned from the bomb shelter.  The siren was loud.  We heard the BOOM of the Kipat Barzel, iron dome=the yarmulke of steel) and exited after 5 minutes.  Life goes on.)

The Prayer 

Our God, God of our fathers and mothers,

The God of Isaac's dread, the God of Joshua,

The God of Yael, the God of Saul's good spirit, 

The God of Israel.

     Please with your mighty force,

Spread the sukkah of peace over the defenders

Of our land, raise your hand and shelter us from our enemies

And from the bullet that seeks their soul.

Give them courage and wisdom to tell apart foe and friend,

To separate between those who do wrong and the sons of Abraham.

Please with your mighty force,

Protect the state of Israel, your daughter that you have chosen,

So we can make your name great among all the inhabitants

Of the earth.

        Please, with your mighty force,

        Please, without force.

   Noga's back, on the Egged Bus from the Israel Museum.  I was 

   escorted by NItzan who knew about Reconstructionist Judaism 

   and seeks a spiritual alternative to Israeli orthodoxy for him and 

   his girlfriend.  He is an art student at Betzalel Art School in Jerusalem.