Grant Us Peace

1994 cantor and congregation (liturgical) or soloist(s) and choir a cappella (secular) (CE)

Recording: Di Goldene Keyt Singers

a setting from the Reform Jewish liturgy

Grant Us Peace was commissioned to honor the late Rabbi Leonard Poller’s long and distinguished service to Larchmont Temple. The text is Rabbi Poller’s favorite prayer from the Reform Jewish Liturgy: the English version of the Shalom Rav. This choral setting follows liturgical practice, where the Cantor sings a portion of text which is repeated by the congregation. In several sections these repetitions form rounds.

Grant us peace, Your most precious gift, O Eternal Source of peace, and give us the will to proclaim its message to all the peoples of the earth. Bless our country that it may always be a stronghold of peace, and its advocate among the nations. May contentment reign within its borders, health and happiness within its homes. Strengthen the bonds of friendship among the inhabitants of all lands, and may the love of Your name hallow every home and every heart. Blessed is the Eternal God, the Source of peace.