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Once again we find ourselves shocked and shattered by a tragic school shooting. The heartbreak, the tears, and the unimaginable violence scar us anew. In our anguish we all search for any words possible that might provide solace or shelter from this violent storm which seemingly has no end. Though no poet can erase the pain or despair so many are feeling, may words from this tender prayer offer a small measure of comfort:

“El Makor Nechama – O God, Source of Solace:
In the depths of our heartbreak and pain we pray:
May this one be the last one.
May there be no next one.
No more murders, no more murderers,
No more parents burying their children.
No more funerals for six-year-olds.
Help us to end this plague.
Give us the courage to work for real and lasting change.
The blood of our children cries out to us from the ground.
Rather than cover our ears, make us listen to the cries.
Rather than closing our eyes, let us give the bloodshed of this day a long hard look.
Rather than turning our heads, grant us the wisdom to use our minds to finally bring an end to this plague.
Rather than throwing up our hands, let us use them to reach out with a meaningful response.
Rather than hardening our hearts, give us the compassion to turn the pain of others to a plea for justice.”

(Rabbi David Dine Wirtschafer, adapted)

May an end to the epidemic of mass shootings and the tragic, unconscionable deaths of innocent children and others throughout our communities come to an end speedily and soon.  Ken Y’hi Ratzon – May it be so!