Community Blog Prayer for Interfaith Vigil at Tornillo Detention Camp

Hebrew College President Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld spent the day in El Paso and Tornillo calling for an end to the inhumane policy of family separations and detentions and the violations of the basic rights of asylum seekers.  She joined a national delegation of labor, educational, and faith leaders organized by the AFT (American Federation of Teachers).  Rabbi Anisfeld commented, “Amidst the heartbreak , it was truly inspiring to be with such a humble, down-to-earth, focused, dedicated and in-it-for-the-long-haul group of educators, activists, and religious leaders.”

Rabbi Anisfeld was among those who offered prayers during an interfaith vigil at the Tornillo Detention Center where children are still being held (her words are printed below).  The delegation sought to deliver books and toys to the children but were denied entry.

Elohei haruchot l’chol basar God of the spirits of all flesh We came here from all over this great country and beyond To say no. To say no to those who would tear children from their parent’s arms. To say no to those who are in no rush to reunite them now. To say no to a policy that deprives people of all ages of the basic international human right to seek asylum in our country. To say no to those making our border famous for brutality and heartbreak.

But more than that Av Harachamim Father of all fathers Mother of all mothers Source of all compassion – We are here to say Yes. Yes to children and to families. Yes to the sanctity, to the preciousness, to the dignity of all life, created in Your image. Yes to the truth of Your Oneness, and ours. Yes to the breathtaking beauty of our world – And yes to the vital moral fabric of our lives. To those who would tear that fabric apart, We are here to say – we will always show up to stitch it back together. We walk in the footsteps of our ancestor Abraham Who “stitched worlds together” Who saw connection everywhere Who was commanded to be a blessing to all the families of the earth.

We know that it is so much easier – and faster – to tear things apart Than it is to stitch them together. But we will keep showing up for as long as it takes

Because we are parents ourselves Because we are teachers Because we are witnesses Because we are weavers Because we are threads in the tapestry of Your creation.

We will stitch together what has been torn apart. Dear God, please give us strength. Give us wisdom. Give us courage. Gather us all in the embrace of your unending love. Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad. Listen, you who struggle, And bear witness to the One God who holds us all.

Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld is President-Elect of Hebrew College in Newton Centre, MA.