Conservative movement election prayer urges adherents to consider ‘all that is at stake’

Rabbinical Assembly reminds worshipers to ‘strive to care about those with whom we disagree as dearly as we care about our own ideals’

This file photo taken on September 25, 2016 shows a combination of images showing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Roanoke, Virginia on September 24, 2016 and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton September 21, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (AFP)
This file photo taken on September 25, 2016 shows a combination of images showing Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Roanoke, Virginia on September 24, 2016 and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton September 21, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (AFP)

The international association of Conservative rabbis released a prayer “in anticipation of a US election.”

The prayer, which calls on readers to consider “all that is at stake in this election,” was written by the Rabbinical Assembly’s executive vice president, Rabbi Julie Schonfeld.

“Help us to recognize the gift of our vibrant and open democracy and the responsibility to nurture it,” the prayer reads.

“Remind us of the goodness and diversity of the United States of America. May we strive to care about those with whom we disagree as dearly as we care about our own ideals.”

Rabbi Julia Schonfeld (Courtesy)
Rabbi Julia Schonfeld (Courtesy)

Schonfeld delivered a private invocation at the Democratic National Convention.

She was also one of over 400 female rabbis who signed a letter condemning Republican candidate Donald Trump’s comments on women last month.

Rabbi David Paskin was ousted from his South Florida Conservative pulpit after protesting Trump’s speech at the AIPAC conference in March. Paskin helped lead some 300 attendees out of the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, before Trump spoke.

The full prayer, as published by the Rabbinical Assembly, reads as follows.

“Adonai, You grant us knowledge, and teach us understanding

Help us to recognize the gift of our vibrant and open democracy and the responsibility to nurture it.

Strengthen us to take our duties as citizens seriously, to hold in our minds and our hearts all that is at stake in this election and to fulfill our obligations with integrity

May we discern Your Divine presence and amplify Your teachings through our actions and commitments.

Remind us of the goodness and diversity of the United States of America.

May we strive to care about those with whom we disagree as dearly as we care about our own ideals.

Guide our hands to reach out to one another, certain in the truth
that what unites us is greater than anything that divides us.

May you grace us with knowledge, understanding and discernment.”

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