In response to rising tensions in New York City following the stabbing attack of a Jewish man leaving a synagogue on Tisha B’Av, Rabbi Roy Feldman of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun has composed a special prayer calling for moral leadership, public responsibility and the safety of the Jewish community. It was first recited during Shabbat Nachamu services in KJ’s Main Sanctuary on July 25.

The introduction of the prayer comes at a time when many synagogues across New York City are grappling with heightened security concerns and an increasingly charged public atmosphere. As incidents of antisemitism and inflammatory political rhetoric continue to affect Jewish communities, the prayer affirms the importance of responsible public discourse and the shared obligation to protect every New Yorker from hatred and violence.

Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun has incorporated the prayer into its Shabbat services as an expression of solidarity with those who have felt increasingly vulnerable and as a reaffirmation of its commitment to the safety and dignity of the Jewish community, alongside the pursuit of justice, security and peace for all New Yorkers.