Rabbi Zari Weiss Climate Rally Invocation
On May 21, 2009, the EPA came to Seattle to receive public comment on their finding that greenhouse gas pollution poses a threat to public health. Rabbi Zari Weiss offered this blessing for our shared work addressing the challenge of climate change.
Invocation - Rabbi Zari Weiss
Rally in support of EPA
Thursday, May 21, 2009
There is a beautiful verse which comes from the book of Psalms: Hinee May Tov U’Mahnayim, Shevet Achim Gam Yachad: Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together b’yachad: in unity, as one. Indeed, as we come together today representing many different faith traditions, many different perspectives and backgrounds, we do stand together as one: one community, unified by our common concern for this precious world in which we live.
It is a precious world, isn’t it? From the salmon that swim in the seas and rivers to the majestic eagles and small songbirds that fly in the skies above, from the tall evergreens that cover our mountains to the purple crocuses that bloom once a year—each and every one of them is a part of this magnificent creation, which we humans get to enjoy during our brief time on this earth. How fortunate we are! And, how enormous is the responsibility that has been placed on our shoulders. For, as one beautiful teaching from the Jewish Tradition says—if we do not care for this Creation, and prevent it from being further corrupted or destroyed, there will be no one to set it right after us.
Friends, the Environmental Protection Agency recently publicized their conclusion that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are a danger to public health and welfare. Throughout the day today, they are inviting responses to their findings. As they meet and deliberate inside, let us join our voices together outside, and loudly affirm that we embrace the awesome responsibility that has been placed on our shoulders.
Let us proclaim our shared commitment to work with one another, with our government agencies and with representatives from business and industry, to do everything that is within our human power and ability to care for and protect this precious Creation which has been entrusted into our care.
And, friends, let us do this not only because we want to enjoy the many parts of this magnificent creation, and we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy them as well, but also because we know that ultimately, there is a Unity that is present in and transcends all of creation: we are the salmon, we are the rivers, we are the eagles and the songbirds, we are the trees, and we are the crocuses that bloom once a year. There is a Unity that is present in and transcends all of creation, and we humans are but one part of it.
“Va’y’hi noam adonai eloheinu, u’ma’aseh yadeinu, kon’na aleynu,
u’ma’asey yadeinu, ko’n’neyhu.”
“May the awareness of that Unity be upon us, may it guide and establish the work of our hands, and may the work of our hands establish
and honor that Unity in this world.”
