Invocation - Temple Beth-El Las Cruces Board meeting on June 17, 2020 (the concluding Board meeting of my active congregational rabbinate)

Eternal One,

Source of wisdom,

Wellspring of insight, 

As our ancestors were challenged

To adopt an attitude of optimism and courage

So that they could “go up” to a promised land

Let us now go up. 

Let us go up to new opportunities

Let us rise to the pinnacle of our creativity 

Let us aspire to greater ingenuity 

Let us ascend to a vantage point

that will enable us to see more clearly

our present and our future

Let us grow towards greater understanding

of ourselves and one another

Let us navigate the difficult paths that could separate us

So that we can come together in a place of unity

Let us overcome our fear of the heights of uncertainty

So that we can move forward on our journey with confidence and fortitude. 

Let us extend our spiritual reach to the heavens

Where Your peace reigns, Eternal God,  

And may we bring that peace down to our community 

So that harmony will envelop us

And your love will suffuse our souls.  

Eternal One, 

Source of hope, 

Wellspring of strength,

Let us go up.