Rock and Champion of Israel

Rock and Champion of Israel, please bless the State of Israel, first fruit of the flourishing of our redemption. Guard it in the abundance of Your love. Spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Send forth Your light and truth to those who lead and judge it and to those who hold elective office. Establish in them, through Your presence, wise counsel that they might walk in the way of justice, freedom, and integrity. Strengthen the hands of those who guard our Holy Land. Let them inherit salvation and life. And give peace to the Land and perpetual joy to its inhabitants. Appoint for a blessing all our kindred of the House of Israel in all the lands of their dispersion. Plant in their hearts a love of Zion. And for all our people everywhere, may God be with them, and may they have the opportunity to go up to the Land. Cause Your spirit’s influence to emanate upon all dwellers of our Holy Land. Remove from their midst hatred and enmity, jealousy and wickedness. Plant in their hearts love and kinship, peace and friendship. And soon fulfill the vision of Your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Let them no longer learn ways of war.” And let us say, Amen.

(Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vechagim, Reconstructionist Press, 1994)