A Rabbi's Prayer Poem for California – San Diego Jewish World

By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel

CHULA VISTA, California — Here is a prayer I wrote for National Prayer Day that I delivered Thursday morning, May 2.

Hear the call, California, let’s rise and unite,

In our land of splendor,  from plight to light.

From redwood shadows to shimmering shore,

Let’s build a future worth striving for.

“Listen,” resounds from valley to peak,

Affordable homes for all who seek.

In cities bustling and towns serene,

Let fairness dwell, let grace be seen.

Against the shadows of bigotry and hate,

Stand strong for love, let it resonate.

From San Diego’s warmth to the Bay’s cool mist,

Inclusion and safety top our list.

Housing that’s affordable, a roof for each head,

In neighborhoods where no one fears to tread.

From LA’s sprawl to Sacramento’s streets,

Let’s secure a haven where hope meets.

In tech’s grand hub, let innovation lead,

To solutions where compassion’s creed.

May Silicon Valley’s minds conceive,

New ways for the Golden State to achieve.

Let California’s dream be vast and bold,

A tale of kindness and courage told.

With every “shema,” let’s understand,

A call to act, for the future we planned.

Hear the call of the surf, the whispering pines,

For a state where every star aligns.

A haven of peace, where all are free,

California, let this our legacy be.

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Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel is spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista.  He may be contacted via michael.samuel@sdjewishworld.com