This prayer is an invitation to lean into your deepest values and truths, and a way of setting your intentions to take an active role in tikkun olam, repairing the world.

May we hear and recognize our own calling,

We are the ones with the capacity to heal,

To nurture, and to repair the harm we have caused,

And the harm of those who came before us.

May we strive to practice tikkun olam,

May we repair the world through collective action

So that we can not only survive this changing world,

But thrive here.

May we be courageous in the face of apathy,

In the presence of our own fear and indecision,

May we move together even through grief,

Remembering that there’s still time to act,

There’s still time to remember the world

Back into being.

Blessed God of our ancestors,

beginning the chain of work,

we give thanks:

For the portion of dough we take off the challah

before we bake it in order to sustain

high priests, artists and those who are in need;

For the seed and the earth and the rain

and the sun and the farmer and the picker

and the miller and the baker

and the trucker and the packager

and the store owner and the grocery checker

and the shopper and the cook

and the waiter and waitress

and those who will clean up after us,

for those who brought us this food that we bless together;

For the scientists and activists

and the teachers and the learners

and the new farmers and the leaders

who work to help us heal this earth, our home;

For all those who work to sustain us

For all those who work for sustainability.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu

Melech Ha’olam Brucha at Shechina,

Ruach Ha’olam

Blessed One-ness,

HaMotzi Lechem Min HaEretz.

Amen

How do you relate to nature in the world? Ask yourself this question, and think about the different ways you interact with nature in your daily life. How does nature support you? Are there any ways in which you are supporting nature? 

And, how has your relationship with nature changed over the past few years? Have you observed or experienced shifts in weather such as stronger storms or blizzards, wildfires, or smoke? Thinking about this may bring up strong feelings such as grief, helplessness, anger, or confusion. 

It’s okay to feel those feelings, and it’s also okay to feel nothing. These feelings, and even the lack of them, protect your humanity. It’s natural to be upset, and there is only so much we can feel at one time. If feelings do come up, try giving them a little bit of space by witnessing and thanking them or processing them in a journal before moving on. 

Next, take some time on a nice day to find a peaceful spot in nature, whether your garden, a public park, or even a local tree on your block. What do you know about this space? Do you have a relationship with this spot, or is this your first time visiting? 

Spend a moment or two just taking in the beauty of this place, and when you feel ready, say the following blessing:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech haolam, shekacha lo beolamo. 

We praise you, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, that such as these are in your world. 

Ma’ariv by Rabbi Rachel Barenblat of Bayit

You mix the watercolors of the evening

like my son, swishing his brush

until the waters are black with paint.

The sky is streaked and dimming.

The sun wheels over the horizon

like a glowing penny falling into its slot.

Day is spent, and in its place: the changing moon,

the spatterdash of stars across the sky’s expanse.

Every evening we tell ourselves the old story:

You cover over our sins,

forgiveness like a fleece blanket tucked around our ears.

When we cry out, You will hear.

Soothe my fear of life without enough light.

Rock me to sleep in the deepening dark.

El chai v’kayam, tamid yimloch aleinu l’olam va’ed.

Baruch atah YHVH, ha’ma’ariv aravim.

Living and enduring God,

you will reign over us always.

Blessed are You YHVH

Who evens the evenings.