This morning I joined a few hundred people at Ancient Shiloh for special Morning Prayers for America organized by Mateh Binyamin.
Nothing political was said... though we all know very well that elections for US President are in just a couple of days. And there's a very big difference between the two candidates. The tension in America between the two sides is probably the worst in American history.
As soon as I got down to the Basilika, where the prayers, were to be held, Josh Hasten interviewed me. You can read the JNS article here.
Not everyone was American. The USA is a world power, so its president influences the entire world. We all need Gd's help.
I couldn't take good photos of the prayers, since the Women's Section was in the back, rather hidden away. Prayers are slightly different in Israel. Birkat Kohanim, The Priestly Blessing was said.
Many prayers were sung out loud together. It was very inspiring for sure.
Ancient Shiloh was chosen because its a very traditional site for Jewish Prayer. The Tabernacle, forerunner of the Holy Temple, stood in Shiloh for close to four hundred 400 years. And of course the Biblical Chana prayed for a son in Shiloh, promising that she'd dedicate him to serve the Jewish People in Shiloh, if Gd gives her a son. She was subsequently blessed with a son, Shmuel/Samuel who led the Jewish people and crowned the first two Jewish Kings, Saul and David.
To strengthen the minyan some yeshiva high school classes joined us. After the prayers were over, the men and boys sang and danced.
Considering that Shiloh has been my "home town" for most of my life, I was overjoyed at the choice of location. All I had to do to get there was walk down the hill for under half an hour.
It's no secret, from what I write here on my blog and on Facebook, that I'm very worried about Israel's war for survival and the American Presidential race. Add to that the intolerance of the ironically named "Liberals" for any other view and their strong hold on media here and abroad... yes, we're in a very challenging time. Prayers are certainly needed.
I'm not going to even attempt to predict which political party will win in American elections this week. Just one thing for sure-- the loser will claim that the winner cheated. Our prayers today are to make America and Israel better more tolerant countries, where people respect each other and election results, Gd willing.
Following are more photos from today.
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| Yisrael Ganz, Mateh Binyamin |
