Conservative rabbinic election prayer asks for integrity, unity

Progressive rabbis aren’t alone in their efforts to mark the sanctity of Election Day in America.

The Rabbinical Assembly, the rabbis’ organization of the Conservative movement, composed a prayer published last Thursday that gives thanks for “our vibrant and open democracy.”

אַתָּה חוֹנֵן לָאָדָם דַּעַת וּמְלַמֵּד לֶאֱנוֹשׁ בִּינָה
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.

חָנֵּנוּ מֵאִתָּך דֵּעָה בִינָה וְהַשְכֵּל
May you grace us with knowledge, understanding and discernment

It’s available as a printable file here.