Prayer for Peace, WUPJ Ukraine Crisis Fund

For the Return of Peace

O Peace, you fleeting dream,
O Justice, you fickle hope,
Today we do not pray in your name.
Today we pray in the name of the children
Who have never met you,
Who have not been blessed
With your love or your truth.
Surely, their cries must someday
Drive you out of hiding,
Summoning you to cast your healing
Upon all the earth.
One G-d,
Ancient and merciful,
Justice and Peace are Yours.
Halt their retreat from the world
And send them to us for good.
Do it for the sake of Your name,
Do it for the sake of Your right hand,
Do it for the sake of holiness,
Do it for the sake of Your children,
So that all may live in the fullness of Your gifts,
As one family on earth,
Under Your canopy of love.
© 2021 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com.

Reform Jewish Leaders Denounce Russian Aggression in Ukraine
February 24, 2022

Russian aggression is a threat to Ukraine’s democracy, its independence, and to a stable Europe and global community. We are deeply concerned about the potential for military action and the resulting loss of life spurred by Vladimir Putin’s seemingly insatiable desire to fulfill his vision of a new Russian empire. The fact that Ukraine’s fragile democracy could be subsumed by the kind of malevolent acquisitiveness common in Europe’s past is heartbreaking. We also know from history that in such circumstances, the Jewish community tends to be a target for particular violence, and we are fearful of such an outcome here as well.
We appreciate the ongoing efforts of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and other world leaders, including the strong statements from members of the UN Security Council, who are working to avert bloodshed and thwart Putin’s goals. And we will continue to support steps to strengthen Ukrainian democracy and secure the well-being of Ukraine’s Jewish community.

Those wishing to support the individuals and communities within Ukraine’s Jewish population can do so through the World Union’s Ukraine Crisis Fund. ​​​​​​​

Rabbi Sergio Bergman, President, World Union for Progressive Judaism
Carole Sterling, Chair, World Union for Progressive Judaism
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman, Chair, North American Board of Trustees of the Union for Reform Judaism
Rabbi Hara Person, Chief Executive, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, President, Central Conference of American Rabbis
Cantor Claire Franco, President, American Conference of Cantors
Rachel Roth, Chief Operating Officer, American Conference of Cantors