Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, 2,977 people lost their lives at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in the most fatal act of terror on American soil.
Twenty-five years later, we stand at the precipice of another year, as we welcome Rosh HaShanah at the same time that we remember one of the greatest tragedies of our time.
Below, the Central Conference of American Rabbis has compiled prayers and readings by CCAR rabbis and CCAR Press authors to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11 and Rosh HaShanah. They may be included in services and ceremonies with attribution.
May these words remind us of the power of gathering in community, of renewing each other’s hope, of remembrance and reflection, and of moving forward—together.
Excerpt from “September 11, 2001: Crossing the Narrow Bridge,” by Rabbi Serge Lippe
“We began Rosh HaShanah services by singing the song ‘Kol HaOlam Kulo Gesher T’zar M’od’ based on the teaching of Reb Nachman of Bratzlav. The song is usually translated as ‘The entire world is but a narrow bridge the most important thing is not to be afraid at all.’
Reb Nachman’s original text isn’t about denying fear. It is about not allowing fear to freeze us in place.
I’m not sure how long we sang together, but it was a good while. I think every one of us felt caught up in the power of that song. Connected and reflective. Exercising spiritual muscles that had been locked and rigid for the past week. I could not move forward, I could not grieve, and I certainly could not comfort or lead if I remained locked in place denying, avoiding my own fear, pain, and loss. None of us can.
Singing that song, I realized: We were in this together. My fears were real, but now acknowledged and shared with those who would help me—even as I helped them cross the bridge.”
—Rabbi Serge A. Lippe, from The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma, edited by Rabbi Lindsey Danziger and Rabbi Benjamin David
Two Candles
On Shabbat we light two candles, one for
remembering Shabbat and one for observing Shabbat.
Today, we light two candles.
This one for Building One, This one for Building Two,
This one for the Pentagon and this one for Pittsburgh,
This one for the hundreds of firefighters and this one for the hundreds of police,
This one for all the men and this one for all the women
This one for all the girls and this one for all the boys,
And these candles for the husband and wife who leapt out of
the tower holding hands,
This one for our luck running out, this one for the New York skyline,
This one for the walking wounded, this one for the critically wounded,
This one for the survivors, this one for the dead,
This candle for Building One, this candle for Building Two.
—Rabbi Zoë Klein Miles; used by permission.
When Evil Darkens Our World
When evil darkens our world, let us be the bearers of light.
When fists are clenched in self-righteous rage, let our hands be open for the sake of peace.
When injustice slams doors on the ill, the poor, the old, and the stranger, let us pry the doors open.
Where shelter is lacking, let us be builders.
Where food and clothing are needed, let us be providers.
Where knowledge is denied, let us be champions of learning.
When dissent is stifled, let our voices speak truth to power.
When the earth and its creatures are threatened, let us be their guardians.
When bias, greed, and bigotry erode our country’s values, let us proclaim liberty throughout the land.
In the places where no one acts like a human being, let us bring courage; let us bring compassion; let us bring humanity.
—Rabbi Chaim Stern, z”l, from Mishkan HaNefesh: Machzor for the Days of Awe
A Prayer for Nonviolence
God of life and Maker of all creation, every act of violence in our world, in our communities, and in our homes, destroys a part of Your creation.
Stir in our hearts a renewed sense of reverence for all life.
Give us the vision, the wisdom, and the courage
to create a community of safety for our children.
Guide us in Your ways so that we may break the cycle of violence.
This we believe: that peace, love, and healing begin with us.
Tonight, let us begin.
Amen.
—Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar, from Amen: Seeking Presence with Prayer, Poetry, and Mindfulness Practice
A Prayer of Courage and Consolation
Holy one of blessing,
grant us the will to stand firm
in the face of evil and hostility,
not to be silent or afraid.
To work diligently and faithfully
to banish wickedness from the earth.
Holy One of Blessing,
grant us the courage and resolve
to speak when there is hatred,
to act when there is confusion,
to join with others in building a world of safety,
understanding, and acceptance.
Because there is hate, dear God, help us heal our fractured and broken world.
Because there is fear, dear God, grant courage and faith to those in need.
Because there is pain, dear God, bring healing to the shattered and wounded.
Because there is hope, dear God, teach us to be a force for justice and kindness.
Because there is love, dear God, help us to be a beacon of light and compassion.
As it is written:
Be strong and let your heart have courage. (Joshua 1:6)
Depart from evil, do good, seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:15)
—Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar, from Amen: Seeking Presence with Prayer, Poetry, and Mindfulness Practice
At the Hand of Terror: A 9-11 Memorial Prayer
Source and shelter,
Grant a perfect rest under your tabernacle of peace
To those who died in the 9/11 attacks on the United States.
Remember the works of their hands
And the message of their hearts.
Grant their families peace and comfort for Your name’s sake
And for the sake of those who perished.
Bring an end to violence and terror,
Speedily, in our days.
May their memories be sanctified with joy and love.
May their souls be bound up in the bond of life,
A living blessing in our midst.
—Alden Solovy, tobendlight.com; used with permission.
