Upbeat rabbi offers House prayer for ‘heroic leaders’ of unity
Paul Bedard
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For his historic 20th prayer to open House proceedings this week, Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff made a hopeful plea for unity in divided America.
“Great heroes helped us win world wars,” he said after citing past war tragedies that occurred in the month of August.
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“May heroic leaders help unite us to seek peace at home,” added the rabbi.
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Resnicoff is somewhat famous around the Capitol. According to C-SPAN executive Howard Mortman, author of When Rabbis Bless Congress, Resnicoff has offered 20 guest opening prayers in the House and Senate, the most of any rabbi in history.
His reference to world wars was not uncharacteristic for the Navy veteran and retired naval chaplain. He once told Secrets that he sees his role as speaking truth to power.
“You know the old expression, ‘Speaking truth to power’? I think of this as speaking prayer to power,” Resnicoff said.
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Below is the prayer he offered Tuesday:
Almighty God, This month is filled with memories of war: Guns of August 1914. First World War: the war to end all wars, we prayed. How wrong we were. Bombs of August 1945, Unleashed on Hiroshima, Nagasaki. Built to win — and end — a second global war And usher in a time of peace … that never came to pass. In Ukraine, brave citizens Fight back since Russia has let slip the dogs of war, While here, a different war: Shootings in our schools, shops, sites of prayer. In politics we find peace and common ground elusive. Compromise now seen as weakness As some views drown out our neighbors’ fears. We need leaders brave enough to lead The way they thought they would Before they came to power; Who remember dreams of who they’d be If they only had the chance. Great heroes helped us win world wars. May heroic leaders help unite us to see peace at home. And may we say Amen.