Our God and God of all people:
We live in divided times. Everywhere we look we see forces
that demonize the weak; aggrandize the bleak; and lionize cheap speak. Sometimes it feels like everything we thought
we knew in the past has been on its head and the voice of morality is replaced
with the talking points of terror and hatred.
We need You, O God – in times like these- to hold us
accountable to our souls and the moral core that you have bequeathed to us. We
need individuals and organizations that share a vision for a better world –
free from hatred, terror and propaganda.
Tonight we come together to recognize the contributions of
the Mizel Institute and its mission of combating extremism and promoting a
vision for a world where equality and morality are the cornerstones of society.
We also have come to pay tribute to Payton Manning – a man
whose athletic achievements are only a small part of the legacy of leadership,
community service and national pride that he has continually shared with our
city and nation.
God – help us to find common ground in these times of
division and fragmentation. May we work together to build upon the values that
we celebrate this evening and help repair your broken world.
Baruch Ahtah Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha-Olam, She-hechianu,
V’Kiimany, V’higianu Laz’man Hazeh
We praise You, Eternal God, Ruler of the Universe, who gives
us life, sustains us, and brings us together for holy moments. AMEN
