On this [ShabbatShabbat is the Sabbath day, the Day of Rest, and is observed from Friday night through Saturday night. Is set aside from the rest of the week both in honor of the fact that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. On Shabbat, many Jews observe prohibitions from various activities designated as work. Shabbat is traditionally observed with festive meals, wine, challah, prayers, the reading and studying of Torah, conjugal relations, family time, and time with friends. nearest to] World AIDS Day, before we pause to remember those who have lost their lives to HIV and AIDS, we first give thanks:
Al Ha-nissim: For the wonders of the enduring strength of the human spirit;
V’al Ha-g’vurot: And for the heroic acts of those who stood strong in days of prejudice;
V’al Ha-t’shu’ot: And for the victories in the advancements of antiretroviral medication;
V’al Ha-nifla’ot: And for the marvelous deeds of the healthcare professionals;
V’al Ha-nekhamot: And for the compassionate support of friends and relatives;
She’asita La’avoteinu: That You enabled for those who went before us;
Ba’yamim Ha-heim: in those early days of HIV and AIDS;
Uva-z’man Ha-zeh: and in these times.
May the time come soon when this terrible disease will become but a nightmare from history. Yet until that time we pray for those who are ill and in pain. We pause now to name them in our hearts:
Barukh Atah Adonay, Rofeh Hakholim – Amen.
We also pause to remember those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS; those we loved, those we knew and those millions around the world too numerous to even begin to comprehend:
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Zikhronam Livrakhah – May their memories be an enduring blessing – Amen.
