You've probably read the news.
In Highland Park, Illinois, a lone gunman murdered six people and injured dozens more in our Fourth of July parade.
My synagogue is in Highland Park. Many of my congregants were at the parade.
Comforting words do not feel right at this moment. It is simply a time of grief and mourning.
I find some resolve and strength, however, in this prayer adapted from the words of poet Alden Solovy, a Highland Park native now living in Israel.
May you find strength in them as well.
Author of life,
Humanity has turned violent,
Crushing lives, upending dreams,
Attacking the heart of another city
with vitriol and hatred in an act of calculated terror.
Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under the wings of your presence to our victims.
May their names live within us.
May their loved ones find strength in your outstretched arms.
Remember with love the survivors.
Grant them shelter and solace,
comfort and consolation,
blessing and renewal.
Grant each of us the endurance to arise,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.
May the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable to You, Oh God, Our Rock and Our Redeemer.
Amen.