Day to day happenings at the Prayer Vigil March 17, 2009
On a warmer and sunny morning members of the Congregation Darchei Noam arrived to offer prayers for the poor and our MPPs. Rabbi Shalom Schacter led morning participants through readings, reflections, and song.
At noon Rabbi Tina Grimberg of the Congregation Darchei Noam led noon participants through a series of readings and reflections that focused on the call to care for others in ways that extended beyond charitable acts to acts of justice. She reminded us that the root word we often use to mean justice - tzedakah - is tzedek. Tzedek connotes justice and righteousness.
Quoting from Mordecai Kaplan, she reminded us that, "A theology which is not a plan of social action is merely a way of preaching and praying. It is a menu without dinner". From Rabbi William B. Silverman, she challenged us that, "Every act of kindness is a prayer - a prayer that walks, breathes and lives."
After remembering the MPPs on today's prayer list by name, together participants prayed:
We cannot merely pray to God to end starvation; For we already have the resources With which to feed the entire world If only we could use them wisely.
Therefore we pray instead For strength, determination, and will power, To do instead of merely to pray. To become instead of merely to wish; That our world may be safe, And that our lives may be blessed.
