by Sheikha Ibtisam Mahameed and Rabba Tamar Elad-Appelbaum

This invocation, written by two mothers, one Muslim and one Jewish, invites us to take their plea for peace into our hearts and into the world. It has been shared widely by Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and the Lab/Shul community.

Let us Light Candles for Peace

Two mothers, one plea:

Now, more than ever, during these days of so much crying,on the day that is sacred to both our religions, Friday, Sabbath Eve

Let us light a candle in every home – for peace:

A candle to illuminate our future, face to face,

A candle across borders, beyond fear.

From our family homes and houses of worship

Let us light each other up,

Let these candles be a lighthouse to our spirit

Until we all arrive at the sanctuary of peace.

Blessed Yah, Creator, Created, Creating...

We pray for peace,

For ourselves and the world,

Even if only for one day:

Instead of anger, we choose kindness.

Instead of revenge, we choose justice.

Instead of resentment, we choose empathy.

Instead of work, we choose rest.

Instead of ideology, we choose compromise.

Instead of destruction, we choose community.

Instead of fear, we choose endurance.

Instead of invective, we choose prayer.

Instead of violence, we choose peace.

Blessed Yah, Creator, Created, Creating...

We give thanks for this day of peace.

May it change us, may it change the world,

And let us say, Amen.

Lighting candles transforms ordinary time into sacred time, marking the official start of the Seder.

The Blessing:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Yom Tov.

Blessed are You, Adonai our Divine Presence, Ruler of the Universe, who has sanctified us with laws and commanded us to light the festival lights.

As we light the festival candles, we acknowledge that as they brighten our Passover table, good thoughts, good words, and good deeds brighten our days.

Ingredients Needed:

• A hearty dose of grief, sadness, anxiety, and/or anger
• A cup of your favorite warm beverage
• A tiny vessel, small enough to hold lovingly in your hands
• A teaspoon
• A houseplant

Instructions:

Prepare your beverage as an offering of nourishment and comfort for yourself.

Enjoy a few sips. Take pleasure in its warmth, the soothing taste in your mouth. Feel it travel down into your core. 

Draw three teaspoons of your potion into the smaller vessel. With each spoonful, conjure what pains you. If it's a really rough day, add an extra teaspoonful, or two, or ten. Fill the entire vessel if needed. Pull as much out as you can. 

Hold the tiny vessel with both hands. Sit with it. Breathe. Honor the weight of this emotional potion. Feel all the feelings. 

When you’re ready, say to yourself: 

From this pain, may something beautiful grow.

Pour your offering into the plant. Thank her for her support, for accepting your feelings. Take another deep breath together. 

Repeat daily as needed.

Before starting this activity, take a few minutes to read through and sit with this prayer by Trisha Arlin. Read it as many times as you’d like and take notice of what comes up for you. What resonates? 

Instead Of: A Prayer for Peace by Trisha Arlin

Blessed Yah, Creator, Created, Creating...

We pray for peace,

For ourselves and the world,

Even if only for one day:

Instead of anger, we choose kindness.

Instead of revenge, we choose justice.

Instead of resentment, we choose empathy.

Instead of work, we choose rest.

Instead of ideology, we choose compromise.

Instead of destruction, we choose community.

Instead of fear, we choose endurance.

Instead of invective, we choose prayer.

Instead of violence, we choose peace.

Blessed Yah, Creator, Created, Creating...

We give thanks for this day of peace.

May it change us, may it change the world,

And let us say, Amen.

Now grab a pen, and work through these prompts.

1. Which of these negative feelings can you relate to? Which do you find your mind naturally draws from? Highlight those that stand out. 
2. Which of these positive feelings come as a struggle to you? Place a circle around the ones that you’d like to work on fostering more. 
3. What else would you add to this list? What other feelings or thoughts do you find within yourself that you’d like to reframe or replace? 

Instead of __________________________,

I choose ____________________________.

Instead of __________________________,

I choose ____________________________.

Instead of __________________________,

I choose ____________________________.

Instead of __________________________,

I choose ____________________________.

Instead of __________________________,

I choose ____________________________.