Inauguration Day Prayer for President Lyndon B. Johnson, by Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1965)
Source Link: https://opensiddur.org/?p=11265
open_content_license: Public Domain (17 U.S. Code §105 - Subject matter of copyright: United States Government works) Date: 2015-01-23
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
Categories: 🇺🇸 Inauguration Day (January 20th), Coronations & Inaugurations
Tags: 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., democratic process, English vernacular prayer, United States
Excerpt: This prayer by Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel, Congregation Beth Israel (Houston, Texas), was recorded in the United States' Congressional Record on January 20, 1965. . . .
Content:
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Almighty God,
we thank Thee for this inaugural,
the living historic witness to our faith in Thee
and to the choice and actions of a free people.
Here at the Capitol of our Nation,
the very sight of which exalts our hearts
and awakens thrilling memories
of the preeminent men of our resplendent past,
we pray for Thy blessings upon our beloved President,
the Vice President,
and those associated with them
in the sacred trust of leadership.
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As Lyndon Baines Johnson
and Hubert Horatio Humphrey
each places his hand on the Bible
to take his oath of office,
let them know
and let us feel
that the hands of all of us join theirs
in this symbolic avowal
that Thou art supreme
and Thy Holy Word our eternal challenge.
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We ask for no miracles
beyond the miracle which is always with us,
if we will only use it,
the power of love
to transform foes into friends,
slaves into free-men,
the curse of war and poverty
into the benediction of concord and plenty.
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May this inauguration mark, O Lord,
the renewal of a people unafraid of the tasks of greatness,
a turning point in American history when we move closer
to the realization of President Johnson’s dream
of a better life for every citizen,
and of uniting with all who are dedicated
to the continuance of humanity’s immemorial, heroic journey
toward freedom and prosperity,
justice, and peace.
Amen.
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This prayer by Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel, Congregation Beth Israel (Houston, Texas), was recorded in the United States’ Congressional Record on January 20, 1965.
Source(s)
Inauguration Day Prayer for President Lyndon B. Johnson by Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1965)
Contributor: Hyman Judah Schachtel
Co-authors:
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Name: Hyman Judah Schachtel
Bio: Hyman Judah Schachtel (1907–1990) was Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel of Houston from 1943 to 1975. From 1975-1990 he served as Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel of Houston. He also served the Houston Jewish community as "rabbi-at-large" for the remainder of his life. On January 20, 1965, Rabbi Schachtel delivered the inaugural prayer for President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington, D.C.. (via wikipedia)
Website:
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/hyman-judah-schachtel
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Name: the Congressional Record of the United States of America
Bio: The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published by the United States Government Printing Office and issued when Congress is in session. Indexes are issued approximately every two weeks. At the end of a session of Congress, the daily editions are compiled in bound volumes constituting the permanent edition. Statutory authorization for the Congressional Record is found in Chapter 9 of Title 44 of the United States Code. (wikipedia)
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Record
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/united-states-congressional-record
Featured Image:
Title: 1965_Inauguration_of_President_Lyndon_Johnson
Caption: President Johnson delivering his speech at the Inauguration held 20 January 1965.
