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It is appropriate that our presidential election coincides with this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Lech Lecha, in which God calls Abraham to embark on a journey into the unknown. It is a journey that requires Abraham to have faith and believe that he will be guided toward a better life for himself, his family, and his people.
Our country is on edge as we prepare for the outcome of tomorrow’s election, and Abraham’s journey can provide us with some guidance. The key to Abraham’s success was his faith. Despite the obstacles, the challenges, and the unknown, he understood that having faith would offer him the strength and courage to face any stumbling block in his path. We, too, must have faith: faith in our country, its democratic process, and the value of our vote.
God makes a promise to Abraham. By embarking on this journey into the unknown, God would bless Abraham - “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, And you shall be a blessing.” (Gen. 12:2) We are a great nation. Yes, we have serious challenges, both nationally and locally. This election is consequential, and at the same time, the work we must do to improve our city and our country will require our attention and activism no matter the outcome. Our commitment to engage in tikkun olam, a repair of our world, will never cease. Our responsibility to continue fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism will remain a priority no matter who wins this election. As Americans, we have been given an incredible gift: tomorrow, we are offered the opportunity to use our voices to guide our country and our local community. I encourage you all to use that gift and cast your vote. We must have faith in our country and its future.
At every b’nei mitzvah service at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, we offer a prayer for our country. I’m sharing it with you here so that you may join me in offering it at some point today or tomorrow:
O Guardian of life and liberty, may our nation always merit Your protection.
Teach us to give thanks for what we have by sharing it with those who are in need.
Keep our eyes open to the wonders of creation and alert to the care of the earth.
May we never be lazy in the work of peace; may we honor those who have died in defense of our ideals.
Grant our leaders wisdom and forbearance.
May they govern with justice and compassion.
Help us all to appreciate one another, and to respect the many ways that we may serve You.
May our homes be safe from affliction and strife, and our country be sound in body and spirit.
Amen.
May God bless the United States of America,
Rabbi Joel Nickerson