Opening Prayer for the Solidarity Vigil at Temple Emanuel

On October 28, at 5:00 PM, over 3500 people came together at Temple Emanuel to voice their pain, anguish, anger and frustration in the wake of the tragic murders of 11 pure souls at the Tree Of Life Synagogue In Pittsburgh, PA. Our sanctuary was filled to overflowing with people from multiple traditions and backgrounds. Hundreds more crowded into our foyer and social hall where there was overflow seating. The event was co-sponsored by Jewish Colorado and the Anti-Defamation League. The outpouring of solidarity we all felt was remarkable. The Governor, Mayor, Chiefs of police from Denver and Aurora joined with religious and community leaders from multiple traditions. Here are my welcoming remarks: 

Our God and God of all people:

God of the slain and God of the injured;

God of the first responders and God of aggrieved;

God of young and God of the Old;

God of the faithful and God of those who have no God:

We at Temple Emanuel are painfully honored to be able to welcome so many friends to our sanctuary. We come from different traditions and faith communities – yet we are all bound together by our grief, shock, anger and horror. We pray for the victims of this tragic event. 

Our hearts and souls are directed towards Congregation Tree of Life in Pittsburgh – those who came to worship and celebrate on a Fall Shabbat morning; those whose lives were taken; those who were injured by bullets and debris; those who were injured by the shock of being in the presence of evil and violence; those who lost loved ones; and all of us who demand an end to the seemingly endless news of violence spurred on by hateful rhetoric that plagues our nation.

We welcome all who come in peace. May our presence here this evening send a message to our city, our state, our nation and our world: May this period of hatred and violence soon become a painful footnote in our nation’s history.  And let us say:  AMEN

October 28, 2018