All of us at Kol Shalom are saddened and sickened by the violence that has unfolded in Our Nation’s Capital. At a time when there are so many people suffering in a pandemic, this should be a moment of national unity and healing. Instead, a culture of division has led to this historic attack on our very democracy. At this moment of danger, we pray for the safety of all people in Washington and beyond during this time of transition. May we affirm the words we say each Shabbat in our Prayer for Our Country, where we pray for our nation and its government: “May each of us fulfill our responsibilities of citizenship with care, generosity and gratitude, ever conscious of the extraordinary blessing of freedom, ever mindful of our duties to one another. Bless those who volunteer to labor on behalf of us all; may they find the strength and courage to complete their tasks and fulfill their dreams.” May all those driven by rage be reminded of this Divine call for peace and justice among ourselves and among all nations of the world. And may we all make true the words of the psalm:
