REMEMBER 9/11 ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Dear Friends,

In preparation for this week's message, I read through many, many interfaith services remembering 9/11 from the past 20 years. I was struck by how the different blessings from the different traditions complimented each other so well. So, I have gathered several and put them together as a memorial on this 20th anniversary.

L'Shana Tova and Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Debbie Cohen

(Muslim) The Qur’an states that “if you kill an innocent life it is as if you have taken the life of all of humanity; and if you save an innocent life it is as if you have the saved the life of all of humanity.” On September 11, 2001 humanity died a thousand deaths.

(Hindi) May the entire universe be blessed with peace and hope. May everyone driven by envy and enmity become pacified and reconciled. May all living beings develop abiding concern for the welfare of others. May our own hearts and minds be filled with purity and serenity.

(Buddhist) This is the Buddha’s teaching. Do not take lightly small misdeeds. Believing they can do no harm: Even a tiny spark of fire can set alight a mountain of hay. Do not take lightly small good deeds, believing they can hardly help: For drops of water one by one in time can fill a giant pot.

(Sikh) Do not cause any being to suffer, and you shall go to your true home with honor.

(Christian) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

(Jewish) עושה שלום Oseh shalom bimromav Hu ya'aseh shalom aleynu Ve'al kol Yisrael Ve'imru Amen
May peace embrace us, all Israel and all the world. And let us say, "Amen."

Rabbi Cohen