On January 20, 2017, Rabbi Marvin Hier was one of six clerics to pray at the Inauguration of the 45th President of the United Statues, Donald J. Trump, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.
Rabbi Hier is the first Orthodox rabbi to offer the benediction at a presidential inauguration.
The prayer is truly beautiful from beginning to end.
Transcript Of Rabbi Hier’s Prayer
Eternal God, Bless President Donald J. Trump and America, our great nation. Guide us to remember the words of the psalmist, “Who may dwell on your holy mountain? One who… does what is right and speaks the truth… who knows that… when you eat the labor of your hands you are praiseworthy… that he who sows in tears shall reap in joy.” (Psalms)
Because,’ The freedoms we enjoy are not granted in perpetuity, but must be reclaimed by each generation!’
“As our ancestors have planted for us, so we must plant for others. While it is not for us to complete the task, neither are we free to desist from them.” (“Ethics of the Fathers”)
“Dispense justice for the needy and the orphan,” (Psalm) for they have no one but their fellow citizens, and because a nation’s wealth is measured by her values and not by her vaults!
Bless all of our allies around the world who share our beliefs. “By the rivers of Babylon we wept as we remembered Zion… If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, May my right hand forget its skill.” (Psalm)
“The doer of [all of] these shall never falter.” (Psalm) May the days come soon when “justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness will abide in the fertile field. And the work of righteousness will be peace… quietness and confidence forever.” (Isaiah)
Amen.
About The Rabbi
Rabbi Hier is dean and founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, CA. His parents immigrated to the U.S. from Poland in the 1920’s.
Prayer transcript from The Jewish Press. Read the entire article here.
“I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you” Genesis 12:3, NLT.
