A Prayer for Bondi Beach

Ribbono Shel Olam,
Creator of the world,
Source of life and breath,
Our hearts are broken before You.

We mourn the holy souls taken in violence at Bondi Beach
men, women, and children who gathered in light and trust,
who came to fulfill a mitzvah, to sanctify Your name in public,
and whose joy was shattered by terror.

Receive their neshamot with mercy.
Welcome them into Olam Haba.
Yehi zichram baruch.
May their memories be for a blessing.

We lift our prayers for the wounded and the traumatized,
for those whose bodies ache
and for those whose spirits now carry fear and sorrow.
Send them a refuah shleimah: healing of body, mind, and soul.
Surround them with compassion, strength, and hope in the long days ahead.

Hashem,
In a moment meant for illumination, darkness tried to prevail.
Yet we refuse to let terror define us.
As our ancestors lit flames in the shadow of destruction,
so too will we continue to kindle light, publicly and proudly.

Bless the Jewish community in Sydney
and Jewish communities everywhere
with courage instead of fear,
with unity instead of fracture and isolation,
with resolve instead of silence.

May the light of Chanukah pierce the darkness,
may justice and peace take root,
and may the day come soon
when weapons are set aside,
when hatred loses its voice,
and when Jewish people can gather in safety
to celebrate life, faith, and joy.

Ken yehi ratzon.
May this be Your will.