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Rabbi Biatch Gives Invocation at Wisconsin State Assembly

06/30/2021 02:52:32 PM

Jun30

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch 

Wisconsin State Assembly Invocation, June 29, 2021 – 1:00 pm session 

(inspired by the words of Rabbi Robert Kahn of blessed memory, found on page 261 of Mishkan T’filah) 

 

Good afternoon. 

This is a day when we consider. . .and search. . .and seek the ideal in our work and our lives. 

So, let us consider: 

Each day when we rise, each of us turns to our own individual Source of Blessing to find inspiration. Today, as we prepare to engage in the business of the people of Wisconsin, we proceed along two pathways: we surely wish to elevate ourselves, and we strive to improve our state and her citizens. 

So, let us search: 

  • Let us search for strength, so that we may control our passions and impulses. 

  • Let us search for humility, so that we may assess properly our weaknesses and our true skills. 

  • Let us search for courage, so that we may achieve compromise when some seek extremes, and dare to set forth in bold, individual directions when necessary. 

  • Let us search for patience, so that we may fairly evaluate ourselves, but always give back to ourselves the benefit of the doubt. 

  • And let us search for wisdom, so that we may rise above minor disputes and disagreements. 

When we accomplish these internal goals, then we may be able to achieve something marvelous for our state. 

Therefore, let us seek the ideal: 

In the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah (58:6-7), we are here on earth to ‘unlock fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of lawlessness; to release the oppressed; to break off every burden; to share bread with the hungry, to give the poor a home; to clothe the naked when we see them, and to never neglect our own flesh and blood.’ 

Isaiah reminds us that when we ‘offer compassion to the hungry and satisfy the famished, then our light will shine in darkness, and our gloom shall be like noonday.’ 

May all of us come to share these visions of the future, and work together to achieve them. 

And we say, Amen. 

March 29, 2024 19 Adar II 5784