Invocation to the Utah State Senate
Rabbi Tracee Rosen
February 7, 2006
Elohenu vaylohey avotainu, Our God and God of Our Ancestors:
We ask Your blessings for our state – for it’s government, for its leaders and advisors, and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. Teach our leaders insights from your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst.
Creator of all flesh, bless all the inhabitants of our country and this state with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our land. Help us remember that You created us all in Your image, man and woman, black and white, rich and poor, and yet You commanded us to take special care of those who are in special need. In the words of Leviticus chapter 19: “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” Help us to remember that in this state which has been richly blessed by your bounty that You call on all of us to be Your partners in the repair and perfection of the world, to be Your hands in extending help to those in need, to supporting and uplifting the strangers in our midst.
Bless these, our lawmakers with the wisdom and understanding to enact laws which will benefit all of our citizens: to feed the hungry, to increase access to affordable healthcare, quality education, and safety for all within our borders, and access to a fair and just legal system. Let them fulfill your words: tzedek tzedek tirdof, l’maan tihyeh, v’yarashta et ha-aretz asher Adonai Elohekha notein lakh: “Justice, justice shall you pursue that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God has given you.”
And let us say, Amen.