Prayer After Tragedy in Newtown, CT

שְׁמַע ה’ קוֹלִי אֶקְרָא, וְחָנֵּנִי וַעֲנֵנִי

“Hear me, God, when I cry aloud,
Have mercy on me, answer me. ” (Psalm 27:7)
God, a terrible tragedy has struck Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Twenty children, with bright futures ahead, were brutally taken from among us.
Their educators, who dedicated their lives to instilling hope in future generations, have had their lives cut short.
May You bring comfort to the families who are grieving the loss of their most precious treasures.
May You support and bring strength to the communities that have been devastated by this attack.

Help us, God, to find comfort and solace after the tradegy that has befallen our country and our community.
When we are worried God, comfort us.
When we feel vulnerable God, streghten us.
When we feel helpless God, give us courage.
Protect our families as we navigate this ever-changing world.
Guide us, as we speak with our children and loved ones about the tragedy in Newtown.
Protect our Kehilah, as we continue to teach Your Torah and raise future generations.

הַמַּלְאָךְ הַגֹּאֵל אֹתִי מִכָּל-רָע, יְבָרֵךְ אֶת-הַנְּעָרִים
“May the angel who has redeemed me from evil, bless all the children.” (Genesis 48:16)
And let us say: Amen.

This prayer was composed by Rabbi Yael Buechler, Founder of Midrash Manicures and Rabbi in Residence of the Lower School at the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester.