On Friday, Jan. 6, Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Sari Laufer traveled to Sacramento to participate in a pre-inauguration interfaith unity celebration for California Governor Gavin Newsom at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Rabbi Sari delivered remarks at the service, becoming one of three women rabbis to participate in gubernatorial inaugurations across the country this month.
Rabbi Sari’s full remarks are available below:
In Jewish tradition, the beginning of a journey is seen as both auspicious and dangerous. Auspicious, because of all the reasons we love new beginnings—all of the potential and promise, all of the growth and generosity, all of the hope and the hype. Everything is ahead of us. Anything is possible.
And yet, our tradition also understood the dangers of a new path, of not knowing what lies ahead or lurks around the corner. For our ancients, the road might be hiding wild beasts, bandits—all manner of evildoers waiting to ambush the unsuspecting travelers. Today, as a new legislative session dawns, we might be imagining other impediments—roadblocks, political intransigence, maybe even flooding, mudslides, and a state of emergency.
We know, Governor, that you face an ever-divided populace, rising inflation and stagnant wages, growing economic uncertainty, increased and ongoing expressions of systemic racism, misogyny, antisemitism, homophobia, xenophobia. We know that there is potential ahead—so much potential. That is why the people of California believe in you, why we elected you again, why we support and work for and with you. We also know there are pains and pitfalls, and we are ready to face those with you as well.
Recognizing the beauty and the tension of these moments of beginning, there is a Jewish blessing known as the Traveler’s Prayer. Today, Mr. Governor, it is my honor to offer these words to you and for you, and for all of our elected officials, as you begin this new term. May it lead you, may it lead all of us, to peace and prosperity:
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְפָנֶיךָ יי אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ,
שֶׁתּוֹלִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַצְעִידֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַדְרִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתִסְמְכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם,
וְתַגִּיעֵנוּ לִמְחוֹז חֶפְצֵנוּ לְחַיִּים וּלְשִׂמְחָה וּלְשָׁלוֹם.
May it be Your will, Adonai our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace.
May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth.
May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us.
כִּי אל שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה וְתַחֲנוּן אַתָּה.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יי שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה
You are, our prayers teach, a compassionate God, one who hears and responds to our prayers and hopes. Hear us today, be with us today. Blessed are You, Adonai, the one who encourages us to lift our voices in hope and in possibility.
And let us say: Amen.