Communal Tragedy

As individuals, we all know pain and loss. It is the rare person who escapes sorrow. But when one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort. Communal tragedy is different. When something bad happens to us as a community—whether that is a school, a town, a people, or a country—we struggle to figure out how to tend to our own wounds while taking care of each other. Drawing on compassion, empathy, justice, and love, we can bring out the best in each other, and perhaps, find a theology of hope in the midst of despair.

Latest Rituals

Prayer for Country and Israel in a Time of Distress

Israel, justice, peace, Shabbat

Two lit candles, a goblet, and challah bread on a table with a teal background and glowing lights.

Prayers for Viewing Images of Violence

This powerful ritual includes both intentions and blessings.

betzelem elohim, violence, war

Close-up of blooming chive flowers with light purple petals and green stems in a garden.

The Awe, ירא, That Encompasses Mayim Hayim, מים חיים

“May we be reminded of the songs of Miriam, the keeper of the Mayim Hayim…”

children, climate crisis, family, flood, Guadalupe River, nature, parenting, prayer, torrential rain

Person in a green jacket stands by a calm lake, facing a forest of tall trees in the background.

This Moment, Oh this Moment

“For now, all that we have / is to be together in this brokenness…”

prayer, Shekhinah, war

A person walks alone on a sun-dappled road surrounded by tall, dense trees.

Prayer in Times of Uncertainty

“Fill each of us with Your Holy Presence and with the light of hope…”

God, hope, prayer, uncertainty

Hands forming a heart shape framing the sun at sunset in a scenic, open field with silhouetted trees.

6 Thirteen | A Prayer for A Vigilant Voice Against Violence

A rocket launches into the sky near blooming pink flowers on cracked ground under a cloudy sky.

To The Captives

“And cry to Heaven—bring them home/No soul should ever weep alone…”

captives, hostages, Israel

A tall, narrow rock stands in a dry, rocky desert landscape under a clear blue sky.

First

“It could have been anyone standing there…”

Black and white photo of hands gently holding a single daisy flower against a dark background.

Prayer for a Gathering to Discuss and Combat Antisemitism

“May we remember that we have not come onto this earth to foment hate, anger, and division…”

antisemitism, community

A spiral collage of diverse faces of people of all ages and backgrounds, arranged in a circular pattern.

Soul Guiding Prayer

Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael wrote this prayer of comfort after Oct. 7, 2023.

comfort, God, grief, Israel, mourning, Oct 7, Shekhinah, soul

A white rosebud covered in water droplets against a dark green blurred background.