A Memorial Prayer for "9/11"

The enclosed prayer was composed by Dr. Moshe Sokolow, Professor at Azrieli Graduate School, Yeshiva University.

A Memorial Prayer for “9/11”

As a member of Hatzoloh, I responded to the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. Given the notable Jewish dimension to this human tragedy, I was motivated to compose an Azkarah, a memorial poem, for all its victims and heroes. The following is a stanza-by-stanza synopsis.

1 - We invoke God as the universal Creator of all mankind, and as the particular God of Israel, Who protects His servants from evil.

2 - We ask Him to take account, with a vengeance, of all those who were killed as a result of the deliberate crashing of the hijacked planes by the terrorists.

3 - We beseech Him, in His infinite compassion, to recall the thousands in the two skyscrapers who were killed outright, suffocated, burned or jumped to their deaths.

4 - We further beseech Him, in His infinite grace, to take note of the heroes who climbed the twin towers to bring relief and succor to those who were trapped.

5 - Paraphrasing the Mishnah, we regard their selfless dedication in sustaining life even momentarily as though they had sustained the entire world.

6 - Finally, we beseech God, Whose name and essence is Peace, to bring the blessings of peace and tranquility to Israel and to all mankind.