SUKKOT PRAYER 5780

Sh’chinah M’kor Chayyeinu, Divine Presence Source of our lives, You have accompanied us on all our journeys ‘from Egypt until now’. As we celebrate Sukkot, we pray that the fragile sukkah recalling our ancestors’ forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, may remind us of our obligation to support the poor and the destitute, the homeless and the oppressed, and to assist those experiencing persecution and violence, hardship and humiliation across the globe. In particular at this time, we think of the Kurds in northern Syria.

Pause to reflect

As we gather in the sukkah open to the elements, may our exposure to the wind and rain also turn our thoughts to those peoples living in regions of the world that are suffering the devastating impact of climate change. This Sukkot, our hearts go out to the people of Grenada, whose nutmeg farms are being destroyed by hurricanes and flooding.

Pause to reflect

Ru’ach Olamim, Spirit of the Universe, You invite us to acknowledge the Earth around us and Eternity beyond us. As we wave the lulav in all directions, we ask You to strengthen our courage and resolve so that we may reach out to peoples in distress, extend our care to the planet and all that lives on it, and commit ourselves to the sacred task of tikkun olam, repair of the world.

And let us say: Amen.

Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah

Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue