Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Robert S. Widom on 17 February 1970
Source Link: https://opensiddur.org/?p=54258
open_content_license: Creative Commons Zero (CC 0) Universal license a Public Domain dedication Date: 2024-02-17
Last Updated: 2025-02-18
Categories: 🇺🇸 United States of America, Opening Prayers for Legislative Bodies
Tags: 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., 91st Congress, English vernacular prayer, Prayers of Guest Chaplains, U.S. House of Representatives, תחינות teḥinot
Excerpt: The Opening Prayer given in the U.S. House of Representatives on 17 February 1970. . . .
Content:
Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Robert S. Widom, Temple Emanuel, Great Neck, New York
Date of Prayer: 17 February 1970
Sponsor: n/a
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Source (English) |
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Lord of the universe,
we ask Thee this day
for fresh inspiration
and new perspective.
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In a world haunted
by the skeletons and ghosts
of a shattering war
past and present,
and in the throes of fear
of massive destructive forces
held back only by a thin leash,
we ask Thee for wisdom and knowledge
that we may learn somehow
to construct the essential foundation
for an enduring peace.
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Make us to realize
that lasting world peace requires
the implementation of such positive elements
as equality, security, and justice
for every man everywhere.
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Bless our country
that it may become more and more
a stronghold of equality, security, and justice.
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Enlighten with Thy wisdom
the President of our land,
his counselors, advisers,
and lawmakers,
and all those who have accepted the trust
and accompanying burdens of high office
in order to make and keep our country
secure and sound.
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Bless, O Lord, their efforts
and the efforts of all who labor
to advance the frontiers of mutual understanding
here in our land and everywhere,
who strive to push the walls of darkness back
in the faith that it is Thou who art the giver of light.
Amen.
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This prayer of the guest chaplain was offered in the second month of the second session of the 91st US Congress. The source images of the prayer were copied by Howard Mortman and shared via his @CongressRabbi Twitter account. All credit to Howard Mortman for his research in digging up this prayer. Unfortunately, neither the source images nor his tweets provide an exact citation reference to the volume, issue, and page number of the Congressional Record in which the prayer was published. If you know, leave a comment, or contact us.
Source(s)
Prayer of the Guest Chaplain (Robert S. Widom, 17 February 1970)
Contributor: Robert S. Widom
Co-authors:
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Name: Robert S. Widom
Bio: Rabbi Dr. Robert S. Widom is Senior Rabbi of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, New York. He received his undergraduate degree from New York University in history and philosophy. He was ordained at the New York school of the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, where he received an earned doctorate for his work in explicating a little-known area of Polish-Jewish history. He was invited to join the faculty of the School of Education of the Hebrew Union College, and taught history and philosophy. He currently serves on the Town of North Hempstead’s Board of Ethics, a position he has held since April 15, 1975. Several years ago, Rabbi Widom organized an association of faith partners composed of Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim groups.
Website:
Profile Link: https://opensiddur.org/profile/robert-widom
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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: Flag_of_the_United_States_House_of_Representatives.svg
Caption: Flag of the United States House of Representatives
