In response to an attack in Germany

         As I sit at my desk, I answer the phone. Routinely, many times per day I lift the receiver to my ear. “There is a shooting in Germany! People are shooting children in the face!”

An ordinary day- answering the phone and I learn of the ever-more- routine announcements of mass shootings.  Excruciating!  For us to become ever more accustomed to hearing of a vicious attack is a great sin. We should never become desensitized to attacks, to injuries, to loss of life.

     Last week, Baton Rouge and Dallas- Nice and Germany-today Munich. When shall our prayers for safety and peace be heeded? How much longer until the shooting stops? Who will become wise enough to realize that murdering human beings does not eliminate problems?

     God of creation- create humanity with greater understanding for the essential nature of all life.

     God of life- fashion men and women of all ages and backgrounds with an unbreakable appreciation of life and dignity.

    God of awareness- instill within us all an awareness of the beauty and complexity of every person.

    God of love- place the power to control hate within all of your children and let hate gradually diminish, one person, one community and one nation at a time.

     Heed this prayer as Shabbat arrives. Let there be peace to all creation- from my heart to all – Rabbi Steve Silberman