Illuminate the World: An Interpretive Sim Shalom

Sim Shalom appears in the AmidahLit. Standing One of the central prayers of the Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing. and asks God to bring peace to the world.

God, You scattered the divine sparks 

so that we may find them in each other,

but sometimes, we forget to look. 

We are Your glistening fragments,

Your shards, Your stars. 

We stand here before you, 

ready to gather the sparks, 

ready to illuminate the world

like One holy campfire. 

We may be scattered, shattered

but we will glow together, grow together,

we will see each other’s shine

and maybe then, dear God,

we will finally be ready

for peace. 

Barukh Atah Adonai, mevarech et kol ha’olam b’shalom 
Blessed are You, God, who blesses the world with peace.