When Death Comes by Mary Oliver When it's over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms. When it is over, I don't want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular, and real. I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened, or full of argument. I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.

To The Forces of Kindness and Mercy, wherever you may be:  Please pour out your blessing on this land, our citizens and elected officials,  in whose hands we’ve entrusted with the public good.  Enlighten us all with the rules of justice,  so that peace, tranquillity, happiness and freedom  stretch throughout our land.  Please bestow the spirit of humanity amongst all of us,  and plant love, fellowship, and friendship  between the different communities and faiths that dwell here.  Uproot from our hearts...

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.  But I found it was difficult to change the world,  so I tried to change my country.  When I found I couldn’t change my country,  I began to focus on my town.  However, I discovered that I couldn’t change the town,  and so as I grew older, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself,  but...

by Rabbi Shoshana Friedman, Temple Sinai, Brookline, MA Holy One of Blessing! Grant us strength to be part of a holy uprising A resistance against the forces of destruction For we stand in witness of the unity of Creation. Grant us patience to work well with others In groups of fellow uprisers To honor and uplift Your sacred name. Grant us wisdom to practice self-care So we may travel through this wilderness as long as we must - please God! Grant...