Prayer for Jewish Social Action Month

Mekor HaChayim, Source of all life, as the Hebrew month of Heshvan begins, we join our prayers to the prayers of others across the world for success in committing ourselves anew to the task of bringing blessing to all the families of the earth, of repairing the world, of performing acts of loving-kindness and of acting in the world and in our communities for good and for justice. We are reminded of the famous words of the prophet Isaiah: "And I will set you as a covenantal people, a light of nations..." Almighty God, let us never forget the task with which You charged us, to make this world a home for the Divine presence, and our lives a blessing to others. As guardians of the world for future generations, as feeders of those in need, healers of the sick and protectors of the helpless, whoever they may be, may our commitment to and acts of social action in the next days be a wellspring for renewed commitment to Tikkun Olam for the year to come.

Optional Shehecheyanu Blessing:

Praised are You, Our God and Sovereign of the Universe, who has kept us in life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this special season.

Baruch Ata Adonai, eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kimanum, v'higi-anu laz'man hazeh.

 

(with gratitude to KolDor members Rabbis David Gedzelman, Dov Greenberg and Jill Jacobs.)