Eternal One, Rock of our Existence, the Source and Sustainer of Life, as President Putin wages war on Ukraine and the forces of autocracy wreak havoc and attempt to instil terror and fear in every heart, we call on You to strengthen the people of Ukraine in their collective will to muster the courage and the fortitude to withstand the onslaught, strengthened by the knowledge that democratic nations across the world stand in solidarity with them and will do everything necessary to support their efforts to resist the imposition of tyranny.

Meanwhile, as ordinary people everywhere, like ourselves, witness the horror and feel helpless and hopeless in the face of overwhelming events beyond our control, we ask You to enable us to understand that we are not powerless to help, that our deeds, however small, matter, and that above all, knowing that despair is the dearest friend of tyrants, we have the obligation to hope and to demonstrate our constant fidelity to the enduring values of peace and freedom, equality and justice. May this be our will.

And let us say: Amen.

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

February 2022 / Adar I 5782