This alternative AmidahLit. Standing One of the central prayers of the Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing. was used during Minchah prayers by members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinic Association outside of an Immigration Processing Center in order to call attention to the plight of immigrants and underscore the importance of the Jewish obligation to welcome the stranger. It is meant to be done as a call and response.
Avot
God of our ancestors. God of immigrants. God of refugees. We are border crossers.
We tie our fate with You who cannot be contained by customs offices. You who requires no passport
Gevurot
You are the power that nurtures, You support the fallen, You free the captive, You give faith to those who sleep in the dust.
KedushahLit. Holiness
We call out to each other, We turn in every direction, Your holy image is the face of every human
Binah
Help us to act with understanding
Teshuvah
Return us again and again to your service
Selikhah
Forgive us for retreating to our own comfort, Forgive us for not taking responsibility, Forgive us for letting little fears Stop us from helping with compassion.
Ge’ulah
Release us from captivity, Release us from persecution, Release us from misfortune, Help us to heal when rational arguments are insufficient.
Refuah
Heal the suffering that causes people to flee their homes.
Birkat Ha-shanimÂ
All Bountiful one let every person live with abundance.
Kibutz Galuyot
Blast the great shofarA ram's horn that is blown on the High Holidays to "wake us up" and call Jews to repentance. It is also said that its blast will herald the coming of the messiah. for freedom
Gather in all those in exile!
Din
Restore justice with love and compassion.
Birkat Haminim
Let all wickedness be lost.
Tzadikim
Protect all the righteous people
fleeing war and
fleeing poverty.
Be with those seeking safety
and seeking security.
Binyan Yerushalayim
Build everlasting peace in JerusalemLit. City of peace From the time of David to the Roman destruction, Jerusalem was the capital of Israel and the spiritual and governmental center of the Jewish people. During the long exile, Jews longed to return to Jerusalem and wrote poems, prayers, and songs about the beloved city. In 1967, with the capture of the Old City, Jerusalem was reunited, becoming "the eternal capital of Israel." Still, the longing for peace is unfulfilled..
Yeshu’ah
Plant your help in every land.
Kabbalat TefillahLit. Prayer
Hear our voice!
Hear the voice of refugees
Hear the voice of immigrants
Help us hear your voice
Avodah
Take pleasure YHVH in our work.
Lovingly accept our prayer.
Hoda’ah
Modim anakhnu lach
We give thanks to you
Birkat Shalom
Sing Oseh Shalom
