Invocation - Temple Beth-El Las Cruces Board Meeting - February 25,2016 - Parashat Ki Tisa

Eternal One,

We read in the Torah

That when Moses ascended

Mount Sinai,

To receive a second set of tablets

Of the Aseret Had'varim (aseret hadib'rot),

The Ten Central standards

For our behavior

As Jews

And as human beings,

Your essence was made known to him

So that he could lead other human beings

In reflecting Your ways

In their actions. 

He heard in his mind's ear

That You are the One Who always exists

And whose eternity supports our existence.

You are merciful and compassionate,

So that we should open our hearts

To understand what may motivate others to 

Think as they think

Or do as they do

So that we will show them a generosity of spirit 

with the hope that the result will be 
a meeting of the minds

And unity of action. 

You are gracious - which means that you give us

Second, third and even fourth chances

Whether deserved or undeserved

So that, by being gracious with others, 

We will earn the grace You show us every day. 

You are slow to anger

And so should we be as well

Even when we are disappointed in or upset by others,

Even when we know that what made us angry could have easily been avoided.

You are full of kindness based in faithfulness and truth

And you call on us to be kind in a way

That will extend Your love to all people

Whether they are family members, friends, neighbors or strangers.  

You forgive sin and wrongdoing 

Especially when we realize that we have erred 

You trust that we will be forgiving

And you remind us that the consequences

Of one mistake

Can last not one but several lifetimes

Affecting people we don't know as well as people 

Whom we know well and love. 

Guide us 

In our daily lives, 

in our leadership, 

in our community partnerships

To be like You

For if we are like You

We will add to our own character 

And to our community

And to our world

a touch of holiness

That is so needed 

So that we make our days fulfilling and even joyous.  

As we share our knowledge, 

Our unique talents, 

Our visions,

Our dreams and our hopes

Watch over us 

So that we can be one

As You are and will always be One.

Amen.