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Jeremy Gimbel

A Prayer of Gratitude for Marriage Equality

Zeh hayom asah Adonai, nagila v’nism’cha vo – This is the day Adonai has made, c’mon, let’s rejoice and be glad! (Psalm 118:24)

Thank God for this day!

Thank God!

Thank God for the Court’s decision. Thank God for Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagen for upholding the 14th Amendment, that “[No State shall] deprive any person of life, liberty, or property … nor deny to any person … the equal protection of the laws.”

Thank God for people like Jim Obergefell, Edie Windsor, and every other plaintiff who put themselves in public and on the line on behalf of the greater good.

Thank God for the lawyers who took up those cases and advocated for them and all people who desire marriage equality.

Thank God for community leaders. And thank God for faith leaders like Rabbi Denise Eger who taught us that our faith is not meant to deter marriage equality, but informs our determination to see its existence.

Thank God for allies. No fight worth doing should be accomplished alone.

Thank God for Matthew Shepard, and every victim of homophobia. The pain we felt inspired us to continue and fight for this sacred cause.

Thank God for Prop 8. For all of the pain it inflicted during its enactment, the process of its being overturned helped turn the tides of public opinion and paved the way for today’s joy.

Thank God for the kindness and compassion of everyone who played a role in making today happen.

Thank God for marriage equality.

Thank God justice has been done.

About the Author
Rabbi Jeremy Gimbel is the assistant rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, CA. He produced the film, "Hatikvah: A Documentary About One Aspect of Israel," and has released 3 albums of original Jewish music.
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