By Rabbi Paul Kipnes

With resounding hope for Jewish New Year 5781, we pray:

May we all test positive on our driving tests, negative on our Covid19 tests, and live to endure innumerable challenges that will test our mettle and our morals for years to come.

May our loved ones push our buttons only delicately, even as
Their opinions push us beyond our comfort zones refreshingly, and may we all
Push ourselves to become the compassionate and just people
We really ought to be.

May our blessing-counts be high,
Our debt burdens be low, and
Our blood pressure fall
in the sweet-spot that counts -
Between not too high and not too low,
Especially when we get together with those family members.

May our bank accounts increase mathematically, as
The virus ceases to multiply geometrically, and
May we all do the math in such a way that
Everyone has sufficient food, shelter, and healthcare, since
God gave us an abundance intentionally
For us to divide up equitably.

May the election give you hope, Even if the selection sometimes makes you worry,
but may we all vote nonetheless as if everything depends on it…
Because it does.

May our hearts open to each other,
Especially to those we do not know, even as
Our souls open to the Source of All Life,
Who knows more than we'd like to be known.
And may we feel in our kishkes (that's our insides)
The abundant blessings of the Holy One, as we say:

Adonai oz l’amo yitein. Adonai yivarech et amo vashalom.
May God grant strength unto our people.
May God bless all people – everywhere – with peace.


Booklet Section: Introduction 
Source: Rabbi Paul Kipnes