This week we will go to the polls in Israel. I’m reposting two prayers for wisdom of the electorate, updated to reflect the rising tide of racist, extremist factions that appear poised to win a significant number of seats in the Knesset, potentially gaining influence on Israeli politics, government, and life. The prayers include blessings for “all who reside within our borders” and yearns for “liberty and equality,” hopes and dreams worthy of our prayers. They also include some classic imagery about Israel from our liturgy and sacred texts.
For Wisdom During Israel’s Elections (For Voters)
G-d of Justice,
Protector and Redeemer,
Grant guidance to our nation
As we select leaders
To serve and to govern,
The leaders who promise
To bring prosperity to our land,
The politicians who promise
To protect our homes and secure our borders.
Grant us wisdom and courage
So that we entrust our government to visionaries,
So that we elect those who will serve our citizens –
And all who reside within our borders –
With honor and integrity,
To forge a flourishing and peaceful future,
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Save us from the forces of hate
That threaten our nation from within,
Extremists who yearn for power,
The emboldened self-righteous
Who would destroy democracy,
Undermine the judiciary,
Deport dissenters, denying human liberties,
And give unbridled power to the military.
Bless our Prime Minister and Knesset
With vision and strength,
Fortitude and insight.
May they lead us to a time
When liberty and equality
Reign supreme throughout the land,
So that a new light will shine forth from Zion.
G-d of Truth,
Source and Shelter,
Grant safety and security to all nations,
So that truth and harmony will resound
From the four corners of the earth.
Let the light of Israeli democracy grow,
Let it shine brightly,
A beacon of hope
For every land and every people.
For Wisdom During Israel’s Elections (For Non-voters)
G-d of Justice,
Protector and Redeemer,
Grant guidance to the citizens of Israel
As they select leaders
To serve and to govern,
The leaders who promise
To bring prosperity to the land,
The politicians who promise
To protect homes and secure the borders.
Grant wisdom and courage to voters
To entrust the government to visionaries,
To elect those who will serve Israeli citizens –
And all who reside within its borders –
With honor and integrity,
To forge a flourishing and peaceful future,
A land flowing with milk and honey.
Save Israel from the forces of hate
That threaten the nation from within,
Extremists who yearn for power,
The emboldened self-righteous
Who would destroy democracy,
Undermine the judiciary,
Deport dissenters, denying human liberties,
And give unbridled power to the military.
Bless the Prime Minister and Knesset
With vision and strength,
Fortitude and insight.
May they lead Israel to a time
When liberty and equality
Reign supreme throughout the land,
So that a new light will shine forth from Zion.
G-d of Truth,
Source and Shelter,
Grant safety and security to all nations,
So that truth and harmony will resound
From the four corners of the earth.
Let the light of Israeli democracy grow,
Let it shine brightly,
A beacon of hope
For every land and every people.
© 2022 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
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Photo Credit: Taken of me by a poll worker during the 2013 elections
