From the time of Jeremiah the prophet, about 2500 years ago, Jews have prayed for their leaders and advisors, wherever they have lived, whoever the government of the day has been.  We Jews, we argue about everything. We even debate the word argue. Maybe the word causes non-civil discourse. We don’t agree about when to sit or stand during prayer, and that is OK. So do what is comfortable for you in your own tradition:

Our G-d and G-d of our ancestors: We ask Your blessings for our country—for its government, for its leaders and advisors and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. Teach them insights from your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst. 

Creator of all flesh, bless all the inhabitants of our country with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country. 

May this land, under your providence, be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom—helping them fulfill the vision of Your prophet—National shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any more.” And let us say: Amen. 

Those were not my words, nor are they AI generated. They are the words of the prayer we say every week in Siddur Sim Shalom. We think that footnoting is important.  

These are mine: 

Today I stand before you, our elected officials and pray. I pray for courage. It takes courage to be a leader. To give up time with family and friends.  To take a risk. Sadly, we know just how real that risk can be. Not only as an elected official as we have seen with Rep Gabby Giffords and Rep. Scalise, but for your staffs and families, for judges and their families across this nation, for local officials like you and for election workers. You ran for office because you wanted to represent the people of Kane County—all the people of Kane County. You ran for office because you wanted to make a difference.  

Today I pray for each of you, that you continue to make wise decisions on behalf of these great state.  

Today I pray for empathy and compassion, for the ability to listen with whole hearts. 

Today I pray for patience and strength when others disagree with you, when you need to reach across the aisle and build consensus and coalitions.  

Today I pray for the budgeting process. That you remember our obligations to the widow, the orphan, the stranger, the most vulnerable amongst us. 

Today I pray for our children, all our children, that they have the opportunity to grow up as leaders, just like these 4H members sitting here today, that they have appropriate role models like you. 

Today. I pray for our schools that they continue to educate our kids, all of our kids, The kids are always worth it. 

Today, I pray for our social service agencies to continue to provide critical, emergency services like shelter, mental health services, and access to health care. 

Today I pray for our health care systems and the role that the Kane County Health Board plays in delivering health care to all. 

Today I pray for our faith communities that come together and help with mutual understanding and respect. 

Today I pray for our first responders who are tasked with keeping all of you safe. And me and my community too. 

Today I pray for each of you. That the vision you have of this nation, this state, this county continues to be part of that American dream, will not diminished. 

Today I add Ramadan Mubarak to be the most inclusive I can be.

Finally, Today I share these words, even more poignant today…  

And today I add an extra prayer, a prayer for peace that as George Washington said to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, RI in 1790, that “For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. Then quoting the prophet Micah, “may there come a day when everyone may sit under their vine and their fig tree and none shall make them afraid. Ufros Aleinu Sukkat Shlomecha, spread over us the shelter, that fragile sukkah, of Your peace. Oseh shalom bimromav…May the G-d who makes peace in the High Heavens, make peace here on earth, speedily and in our day.