This prayer was written as a response after Renee Nicole Good was killed on January 7, 2026
In the Torah we read:
You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” – Exodus 22:21
Avinu She-bashamayim
Imeinu She-ba-aretz u’veineinu
Loving Parent of all humanity
Please be with us in this time of brokenness.
Our hearts are broken.
The bonds between us are broken.
The bridge over the chasms that yawn between a person and their neighbor–it, too, is broken.
Too often, we plummet to this chasm’s abyss before we can find our ways to one another.
Give us the vigor to hope for a future with hearts, bonds, and bridges strengthened.
Give us the wisdom to continue the work of repair.
Help us to see each day that we are one human family, connected and responsible for each other.
We are our sisters’ keepers; our brothers’ defenders; our siblings’ champions.
May our work together, even and especially across our many differences, move our communities toward peace, justice, trust, and accountability.
May all residents of this country fulfill their various roles and duties with respect, integrity, competence, and wisdom. May our leaders fulfill their sacred obligation to lead thoughtfully and honestly.
May the family and communities of which Renee Nicole Good was a part find comfort in our solidarity and our presence. She was a palm tree cut down in her prime. Zichronah Livrachah–May her memory be an eternal blessing.
