God of our forefathers, we ask for strength and guidance as we observe our neighbors who follow in our footsteps. Our legacy is that of a migrant people. We have escaped hardship as slaves in Egypt, forced conversion in Spain and grave risk in Europe. We transported ourselves when we needed to do so, counting on our strengths, the opportunities afforded us and the good grace of the righteous others.
The United States has served as a refuge for the oppressed, “your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The expression of American generosity has been a source of national pride and as a moral beacon to other nations. Jewish Americans have flourished, as have others who have arrived often with little, from Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Our country is better, and stronger, because of it. We thank America for the opportunities it has afforded us and we thank our ingathered neighbors for enriching us.
We seek that our government will offer kindness and compassion to the oppressed who approach our borders and to those who require refuge within. We remember our circumstances when we arrived in America and our tradition to love thy neighbor as thyself. As we learn from Rabbi Hillel’s teaching, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” We seek the good judgement, strength and perseverance we now require.
