Looking Into Our Hearts

Newsletter October 28st, 2024 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

First of all, my heart is fine. I just went in for a regular check-up to make sure that everything that was supposed to be open was open and everything that was supposed to be closed was closed (as the Asher Yatzar prayer encourages us to appreciate each day). Everything is working properly, and for that I give thanks. It is truly is a miracle that our hearts beat each day of our lives.

But as I was sitting there watching the ultrasound of my heart beat in real time, I realized I was actually looking inside my heart! It wasn't some idiom that people say when they are trying to decipher a next move in life. It was literal.

But then it got me thinking that this IS the season when we are meant to look inside of our hearts. To discern who our leaders should be through the process of the election. And in this process of discernment, it would be fitting to look inside of our hearts to help us decide. Why? Because the heart is known as the seat of compassion. Of human connection. Of love. And these are beautiful principles to embrace as we discern how the country should move forward as a community. This is the season to embrace compassion and the heart-connections we have with our fellow citizens and those around the world. Our votes are a reflection of what's in our hearts. May we express ourselves well!

And to help us do so, I share this blessing for voting that I penned at election season in 2020. I invite you to recite it as you look inside your heart, and cast your vote. May our votes be counted and may we move forward as a country in love.

A PRAYER FOR VOTING by Rabbi Heather Miller

God Almighty,

Makor Chayim,

Source of Life,

You have given human beings

immeasurable gifts,

not the least of which is that of free will.

The ability to create our own destiny.

To determine our own course.

This season of voting,

many will choose to exercise our free will

at the polls,

to voice our choice for leadership

and policy.

As we do, teach us to appreciate

the significance of this sacred act:

As we review the voting packet,

guide us with clear vision of

Your most cherished values.

As we pick up the pen,

remind us that we are writing

the next pages of our lives.

As we cast our votes,

remind us not to cast away

the humanity of our fellow human beings.

As we await the results,

remind us of those

who cannot afford to wait for justice.

God of Emet, God of truth,

Teach all who monitor and administer the

polling places to value the truth,

to ensure a fair process and an accurate

count of the hopes of the people

even as many are ineligible to vote or

have already been discouraged

from doing so.

May the true will of the people

be voiced indisputably.

Adonai Ezri, God my helpmate,

Fortify my spirit as

I await the results of this election,

with so much at stake for so many,

sustain me through the length of the tally,

and may my faith in humanity be affirmed

in the days of November.

Shechina, spread over us all

Your great canopy of peace,

over all who walk in your ways,

and those who do not.

May you inspire us all to make room

for our fellow human beings,

the earth,

and all of its inhabitants.

May your tent be open and wide.

We desire closeness to You.

Let us not be cast out from your midst.

Baruch at Yah,

Blessed are You,

source of all that is just

hear our prayer

for the sake

of all your precious Creations.

Amen.

This is how we're keeping it sacred. Together, we're #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

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