Can it be that eighteen years have passed since the horrific events of September 11, 2001?
Our world was changed that day - and not for the better.
As we pause to reflect, it’s imperative we remember that what happened that fateful day does not define who we are as a nation and as a people. Our spirits were not crushed, our will was not diminished. Those who died did not die in vain; their tragic deaths were the impetus for a renewed sense of purpose, for an ever stronger commitment to the cause of freedom.
The following prayer, written in the aftermath of 9/11 by Rabbi Matt Friedman, sums up what we felt then and what we should continue to feel now:
For those who went into danger, we give thanks.
For those who remained behind with the infirm and the injured, we give thanks.
For those who thought of others first, we give thanks.
For those who offered comfort to others, we give thanks.
For moments of unknown, grant us courage.
In times of fear, grant us courage.
When called upon to stand for the rights of others, grant us courage.
When others call for our destruction, grant us courage.
When the enemies of freedom lash out, bless us with Your peace.
When the darkness of hatred descends, bless us with Your peace.
When we feel the urge to trample and destroy, bless us with Your peace.
When we look to the future of Your universe, bless us with Your peace.
Amen.