UK chief rabbi pens prayer for Haiti victims

Jonathan Sacks urges people to identify themselves with international fundraising and rehabilitation.

By JONNY PAUL, JPOST CORRESPONDENT IN LONDON
sacks 224.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
sacks 224.88
(photo credit: AP [file])

Britain's Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks hasissued a special prayer to be recited in synagogues across the countryon Shabbat for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Thechief rabbi said he was "deeply distressed at the tragic loss of lifeand damage suffered by the people of Haiti" and has urged people toidentify themselves with international fundraising and rehabilitation.

"Every single family on the island has lost either a familymember or a close friend," he said. "Not only are they dealing with theshock, anguish and physical danger that the earthquake itself brought,but they are also having to cope with the challenge of surviving at atime when the infrastructure around them is destroyed."

The prayer in full reads: "Sovereign of the Universe, we joinour prayers to the prayers of others throughout the world, for thevictims of the earthquake that brought destruction and disaster toHaiti and took so many lives.

"Almighty God, we beseech you, send comfort to thebereaved and healing to the injured. Be with those who are engaged inthe work of rescue. Grant strength to those who see to the needs of theinjured and sick, give shelter to the homeless and provide sustenanceto those in need.

"Almighty God, we recognize how insignificant weare, and how helpless in the face of nature when its full power isunleashed. Open our hearts in prayer and our hands in generosity, sothat by our actions we may bring comfort, healing and support. Help usnow and all humanity as we seek to do what we can by helping peoplereconstruct their broken lives."