Written for sealing a time capsule on Fri. June 7, 2019 at Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond, VA
Prayer Upon Sealing a Time Capsule
Eloheinu veilohei avoteinu v’imoteinu
Our God, and the God of our fathers, mothers, and ancestors
going back for uncounted years and generations:
As we prepare to seal this time capsule for future generations to find,
let us remember and honor the time, energy, willpower, hutzpah, and love
which was necessary for all of us to arrive here at this moment
each of us acting as human time capsules
carrying the legacy of our ancestors forward through time.
As we look back, let us also look forward.
As we prepare to seal away our keepsakes, photographs, letters, books, and mementos,
let this moment remain in our hearts and minds as a reminder
that it is upon us to ensure that we put in the time and energy,
that we summon the willpower, and yes when necessary the hutzpah,
that we act with love and compassion toward all our fellow humans,
such that we are able to pass on to our future generations a strong, joyful and loving community
a community which stands the test of time
a community which welcomes all and sustains its members
a community which overcomes differences and obstacles
a community which 50 years from now will be able to open this very time capsule and say:
“Let us remember and honor the time, energy, willpower, hutzpah, and love
which was necessary for all of us to arrive here at this moment.”
And on this special and joyous occasion, let us say the Shehekheyanu together:
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh haolam
shehekheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu laz’man hazeh
Praised are You, Adonai our God, ruler of all space and time,
For giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this time!
AMEN!
