Prayer for the World Union of Progressive Judaism Conference, by Lilian Helen Montagu
Source Link: https://opensiddur.org/?p=46366
Date: 2022-08-26
Last Updated: 2024-06-01
Categories: Congregation & Community
Tags: 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., English vernacular prayer, Separation
Excerpt: This undated prayer offered at one of the World Union of Progressive Judaism Conferences by the Hon. Lily H. Montagu (1873-1963) from the archives of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London, was published in, Lily Montagu: Sermons, Addresses, Letters, and Prayers (ed. Ellen M. Umansky, 1985), p. 355. . . .
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Our God and Father,
We thank Thee
for letting us come together
on this Sabbath morning
to speak our word to Thee,
our word of gratitude
and of supplication.
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Some of us have travelled from far countries
so that in fellowship
we may consecrate with our prayers
this great [World Union] Conference.
At this moment,
through feeling near to Thee,
we feel near to one another
in thought
and aspiration.
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Let us take the opportunity given to us today
and in the days that are to come
of seeking truth from Thee,
of strengthening our faith,
of discovering evidence of Thy love within our souls,
and of experiencing friendship
and mutual regard
for our fellow seekers.
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Oh God,
let us leave this holy sanctuary
more deeply conscious than ever before
of the desire which should fill our hearts
to dedicate ourselves to the work
which the Conference will imitate.
Inspired by the devotion of the past,
and by our own communion with Thee in worship,
let us make Judaism live for ourselves,
our children
and indeed for all mankind.
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As we surrender ourselves here and now to Thy guidance,
let us in joy
and peace
and good fellowship
witness to the reality of thy holy, loving eternal presence.
Amen.
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This undated prayer offered at one of the World Union of Progressive Judaism Conferences by the Hon. Lily H. Montagu (1873-1963) from the archives of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, London, was published in, Lily Montagu: Sermons, Addresses, Letters, and Prayers (ed. Ellen M. Umansky, 1985), p. 355.
Source(s)
Contributor: Aharon N. Varady (editing/transcription)
Co-authors:
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Name: Aharon N. Varady (editing/transcription)
Bio: Aharon Varady (M.A.J.Ed./JTSA Davidson) is a volunteer transcriber for the Open Siddur Project. If you find any mistakes in his transcriptions, please let him know. Shgiyot mi yavin; Ministarot naqeni שְׁגִיאוֹת מִי־יָבִין; מִנִּסְתָּרוֹת נַקֵּנִי "Who can know all one's flaws? From hidden errors, correct me" (Psalms 19:13). If you'd like to directly support his work, please consider donating via his Patreon account. (Varady also translates prayers and contributes his own original work besides serving as the primary shammes of the Open Siddur Project and its website, opensiddur.org.)
Website: https://aharon.varady.net
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/aharon-varady
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Name: Lilian Helen Montagu
Bio: The Hon. Lilian Helen "Lily" Montagu, CBE (22 December 1873 – 22 January 1963) was the first woman to play a major role in Progressive Judaism. Until the age of 15, she was educated at Doreck College, and privately educated thereafter. In 1893 she founded with Emily Marion Harris the West Central Jewish Girls Club (which subsequently merged into the Jewish Girls' Brigade). She was active in social improvement, particularly in respect to unemployment, sweat shops and bad housing. In 1901 and 1902, Montagu laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Jewish Religious Union in London. In February 1902 she arranged the first meeting of the Jewish Religious Union for the Advancement of Liberal Judaism at her sister Henrietta Franklin's house. The Union set up the first synagogue in Liberal Judaism in the UK and helped found the World Union for Progressive Judaism. Montagu was a founding member with her sister of the Jewish League for Woman Suffrage. She sat on the executive committee and led the meetings in prayer. Following the retirement of Leo Baeck, Montagu served for a brief stint (1955–1959) in her 80s as president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, before handing the reins over to Solomon Freehof.
Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_Montagu
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/lilian-helen-montagu
Featured Image:
Title: inline-ej490111-g002
Caption: World Union of Progressive Judaism conference (after WWII)