A Prayer for a New World Order, by Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Kaplan (ca. 1945-1951) • the Open Siddur Project

Tags: 20th century C.E., 58th century A.M., American Jewry of the United States, civic prayers, English vernacular prayer

Excerpt: This prayer for a New World Order by Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Kaplan, representing many of the hopes of a United Nations after World War Ⅱ, was found by Mel Scult among Mordecai Kaplan's papers and shared by Dr. Scult in a Facebook post. The prayer is undated, although we tentatively date it between 1945 and 1951. . . .

Content:

Prayer may not change the course of events but it may change us. Or to be more precise our prayers should help us focus on our ideals and the goals that we should hold in the forefront of our consciousness.

I found this prayer many years ago and do not know when Kaplan crafted it. He was continuously conscious of the need for cooperation in international affairs rather than the assertion of power. The fundamental commitment to cooperation comes out not only in times of war but at all times. So much of what is happening reflects a meanness of spirit. Kaplan here arouses our spirit of generosity and concern. –Mel Scult

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	May the consciousness of human solidarity penetrate the minds and hearts of all men.
	May the nations that are strong help those that are weak, and those that are rich in territories and possessions uphold those that are poor in knowledge and resources.
	Let us no longer look to force and violence.
	Let the conscience of the world be aroused against deeds of cruelty and oppression.
	Let the people’s of the world urge their governments to cease acts of injustice and plunder and to act justly and righteously.

This prayer for a new world order by Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Kaplan, representing many of the hopes of a League of Nations after World War Ⅰ and a more robust United Nations after World War Ⅱ, was found by Mel Scult among Mordecai Kaplan’s papers and shared by Dr. Scult in a Facebook post. The prayer is undated, although we tentatively date it between 1945 and 1951. The prayer was also untitled; the title offered was chosen by me based on my understanding of its content. –Aharon Varady

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Title: united-nations-seal
Caption: united-nations-seal