Request for Synagogues to Pray for All U.S. Military Personnel

A year ago today Harvey Schiller of Chicago sent the following letter to rabbis and friends in the Chicago area.  The letter received almost no response. Thus I am posting the letter here in the hope that Harvey Schiller’s request will be taken up by synagogues throughout the United States.

Please leave a comment below or email me at pzmiller@gmail.com to let Harvey Schiller know that you are acting upon his request.

March 17, 2008

Dear Rabbi and Friends:

Those of us who have boys serving in the Armed Forces of America would be deeply grateful if you would please recite a prayer for all American servicemen, as well as all Israeli soldiers, from now on.

This prayer should be separate from the prayer recited for the leaders of our Government,  who are not risking their lives in this war.

On February 20th, an American Jewish soldier, Albert Bitton, a medic, was murdered in Iraq, defending our beloved country.

Out of kovod for Albert, alav hasholom, and all the boys, Jews and Non-Jews alike,  who are fighting for us, to preserve all the precious freedoms so many of us take for granted,  I ask that you please do this great, great mitzvah from now on.

Would you please let us know if you are participating in this great mitzvah so that we can acknowledge and honor your commitment?

Would you please send us a copy of your prayer so that we can let others share in it?

We also ask that you please pass this request on to everyone you know, so that our prayers for all our soldiers will dawn across America.

Thank you and God bless you.

Respectfully,

Harvey Schiller
Skokie, Illinois