El male rakhamim shokhen bam’romim
ha’metzei menukha nekhonah
takhat kanfei ha’shekhinahThe feminine name of God, expounded upon in the rabbinic era and then by the Kabbalists in extensive literature on the feminine attributes of the divine.
God filled with compassion,
whose loving presence ever surrounds us
bring perfect rest to all who have died unhoused
those who have died on the streets, in tent cities
public parks and under viaducts.
Protect these precious soulsÂ
with the shelter they were denied in their lifetimes
gather them under the softness of your wings
show them love, bring them home.
Remind us that no oneÂ
is forgotten in your sight
that all are welcome at your table
that each and every one of their livesÂ
is a story of sacred worth and meaning
that can never be lost.
May the memories of their livesÂ
shine forth like the brilliance
of the skies above
as we rededicate ourselves
to their memories now.
Turn our grief and anger into resolveÂ
fill us with strength and will and purpose
that we may once and for allÂ
end this endless night.
Never let us forget
our sacred responsibilityÂ
to ensure that all are housed
and clothed and fed;
let us never stop fighting
for the basic essential dignity
of every living, breathing soul.Â
Ba’al ha’rakhamim tastireihem
b’seter kanfekha le’olamim.
Source of all compassion,
inspire us to extend your shelter
across this land and throughout the world
that all may know the blessings
of safety and security now and forever.Â
V’nomar, and let us say,Â
Amen.
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