Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the senseless shooting yesterday at a Jewish school in Southwestern France. We are, of course, always heartbroken to hear news of such senseless violence that claims the lives of innocent people, and as Jews we are particularly pained by the loss of members of our extended Jewish family.
For more on these tragic events, and a prayer that can be recited, please read the following:
A Prayer For Tolerance: Rabbi Naomi Levy, Talking To God:
Teach us God, to treasure the differences that distinguish one person from another. Fill us with the strength to overcome senseless fear and hatred.
Open our hearts to the radiance that shines forth from every human soul. Inspire us to shed our apathy; remind us that it is our obligation to be responsible for one another.
Open our ears to the cries of all who are in need of our assistance. Give us the courage to combat prejudice and intolerance wherever they exist.
Teach us to see each other through your eyes, God. In Your eyes, all people are equally loved, equally precious.
Bless us all, God, with compassion, with kindness, and with peace. Amen