A Prayer for the United States on Independence Day by Rabbi Denise L. Eger
Holy One of Blessing spread your shelter of peace over our nation. As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, grant to our country and all who dwell within a renewed spirit of civic engagement. Teach us to respect one another. Heal our divisions. Let us learn from one another. Open our eyes and ears, our minds, our hearts and our hands to the possibilities that we can see Your image in our fellow citizens and residents and that we can learn to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Help us focus on the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Renew in us our nation’s commitment to equality and equity for all, regardless of the color of our skin, our creed, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation. Make us a nation who respects our democratic institutions and commits to ensuring our democracy’s well-being.
Guide and protect all who serve our country, those who are elected, appointed and all who safeguard our borders both near and far. Inspire in them a dedication to the ideals of liberty and freedom as enshrined in our Constitution.
Oh Holy One of Blessing remind us to guard and protect our environment: the land and sea and air of America the beautiful. And let us be ever mindful to share the bounty of our land with all who are in need. Let justice well up like a righteous stream and lift up our prayers to You.
"Together Again:" Family Shabbat in Person! Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM Family Shabbat returns to in-person at the building, with Jewish-theme hour activity for young kids--the first in-person activity with Rabbi Levy and Student Rabbi Rabishaw. Join us outside for Shabbat play and music and art; We'll play gaga, draw with chalk and hear a story.
Summer Sova Food Drive SOVA is a nonsectarian program of Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty in the community through food distribution and offering a wide range of supportive services. Every year in July and August, Congregation Kol Ami joins the effort of helping with food donations. As we go back to in-person service, we ask you to pay your personal tribute toward a world without hunger. Whether you come for Shabbat Service, or every other time you come to temple bring donated groceries to put in the Sova barrels inside the building: Pasta, toiletries, tuna, salmon, peanut and almond butter, canned goods etc.
Tzedek Council Update The Biden administration has raised this year’s refugee admissions numbers and laid the groundwork for increased capacity to welcome refugees in the years ahead. Historically, congregations around the U.S. have played an essential role in supporting refugee families as they integrate into their new communities, and the opportunity to resume that important work is a now tangible reality. Join us on Wednesday July 14 at 1:00 PM PT to explore - or re-engage with - what congregational sponsorship of newly arriving refugees looks like. We will hear from HIAS resettlement staff and from two synagogues that have welcomed refugees to their communities in recent years. REGISTER HERE
Please also join in representing our congregation at RAC-CA’s meeting with Senator Maria Elena Durazo on Wednesday, July 28, 7-8:15 p.m. PT. Senator Durazo is an author of both of our priority bills and brings deep experience as a community organizer to her work as a legislator. This is a great opportunity for RAC-CA to learn from and build our relationship with Senator Durazo.
You Don't Have to Be Jewish To Be Curious! A Taste of Judaism Begins July 25 A Taste of Judaism is a three-session (FREE) course offering a broad introduction to modern Jewish spirituality, values, and community. If you are interested, or know anyone who will, please send them this link to REGISTER
Kol Ami is part of the JewItAtHome collaboration, offering programs online for all of us to remain connected and engaged Jewishly during this challenging time.
Congregation Kol Ami 1200 N La Brea WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90038
