We know in our kishkes-deep down in our guts-that as our tradition tells us, every person represents an entire world, and therefore that what happens to one of us affects all of us.  What happened in Tel Aviv touches us all, Jewish and non-Jewish, queer and not, young and old, residents of Tel Aviv and residents of DC.

Here in DC, Jews United for Justice is working to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all area residents.  We are especially thrilled that DC now recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships enacted in other states and we hope for continued progress on marriage equality and fully equal rights. We look forward to joining with you in that work.

But tonight not all of us may be quite ready to get on with that work.

Tonight we pray for healing for the victims, their families, their friends, and for everyone whose lives and hearts and sense of safety have been torn apart.

We pray for peaceful, tolerant communities in Israel and at home.

We pray for cities that will open their arms wide to support, sustain, and include all of their residents.

Psalm 46 exclaims:
"God is our refuge, and stronghold, a help in trouble, very near.  Therefore we are not afraid: though the earth reels, though mountains topple into the sea, its waters rage and foam; mountains quake in its swell. There is a river whose streams gladden God's city; the holy dwelling-place of the Most High God is in its midst, it will not be toppled; God will come to its aid as morning breaks."

When morning breaks, when we are comforted just a little, let us continue the work of this city.