By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO — On Sunday, September 13th, at sundown the High Holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins.
This is my prayer for the coming Hebrew New Year: 5776
I pray for peace.
Let it begin with me – and you – and then spread in concentric circles to include every living soul.
Peace between neighbors and nations.
Between those who govern and those who are governed.
Peace between those who feel marginalized and those who guard the margins.
Inner peace for those who are at war with themselves.
Let those who practice evil realize that it brings them no lasting reward: no joy, no peace.
Name calling and denigrating others does not persuade. No one grows taller by making someone else shorter.
I pray that as I wake each morning I see it as another opportunity to begin again.
Self flagellation is not atonement. Instead, let me think again how in my own very small sphere I can be a gentle force for good and a center for peace.
Silence in the presence of prejudice and evil is acceptance and complicity.
I pray for the continuing blessing of sharing time and space with those I love – family and friends who make life complete and the health to do so.
I pray that those you love continue to share your life in health.
Be kind to yourself and, oh yes, remember to have some chocolates along the way.
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in arts and literature. Comments may be made to sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com