USCJ Calls for Prayers for Prime Minister Sharon

The leadership of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Masorti Movement in Israel, assembled in Jerusalem for the dedication of the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Center, challenges the call of ultra-orthodox rabbis to institute “death rituals” intended to bring an end to the life of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Judy Yudof, the President of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Executive Vice President, Rabbi James Lebeau, Director of the United Synagogue Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, Rabbi Ehud Bandel, President of the Masorti Movement, and Ms. Irit Zmora, Chairperson of the Masorti Movement call upon every Jew in Conservative/Masorti Synagogues throughout the world to offer a special prayer for the health and well-being of the Israeli leader on this coming Shabbat.

“I am most concerned that Sharon will be assassinated,” said Shimon Peres in one of Israel’s major newspapers on Tuesday, October 19. Disturbed by the words of hatred directed toward Sharon, the leadership of United Synagogue and the Masorti Movement ask its congregations to include a prayer for the well being of the democratically elected Prime Minister of Israel during Sabbath services, October 23, 2004. As you will see from the attached prayer, we link this suggestion to this week’s Torah reading, Parshat Lech Lecha. This request is particularly timely as this week Israel recalls the murder, three years ago, of Minister Rehave’em Ze’evi and next week, Israel will observe the ninth anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.

For more information, please contact:

• Rabbi James Lebeau, Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, 02-625-6386, ext 1
• Rochelle Kraut, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, New York, 212-533-7800, ext 2600
• Rabbi Ehud Bandel, Masorti Movement in Israel, Jerusalem, 02-624-6510

A Prayer for Peace Within Israel

Elohenu v’elohey avotenu v’imotenu, Our God and God of our ancestors, as we assemble on this Shabbat, Parshat Lech Lecha, we remember your commitment to Abraham to establish peace in the land promised to him and his descendents. It has not been easy to fashion a democratic country with religious freedom within the borders of Israel. We take pride in the reign of liberty and justice in the land, which has made possible democratic elections throughout Israel’s Statehood. We mourn the death of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin whose leadership was ended by the hand of a murderer.

We pray to you Ribon HaOlam, Lord of the Universe, to nullify the actions and words of those spewing hatred against the Prime Minister, rupturing the fabric of Israeli society. May You protect Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, O Lord, so that no harm will come upon him. Inspire him to lead Israel in the paths of peace and tolerance. Let him bring glory to Your Name and great honor to our homeland, Israel, and to the Jewish people. Amen.