Greg Han: “Tonight’s invocation is given by seven representatives from seven faith traditions. Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, and Sikh voices, sacred texts, and prayers of thanksgiving bless our celebration, and their distinct voices invoke values and beliefs that bind us together.”
Rabbi Oren Hayon (Jewish):Let us pray: We give thanks for the spirit of life, for the spirit of wisdom, for in thanksgiving we see our reliance upon you, O God,and through you we come to see ourreliance upon each other. From the Psalms of David: "TheETERNALis my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in God, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart exults, And with my song Iwill glorifyGod."We aregratefulfor the blessings of this day.
Dr. Fatima Mawji (Muslim):We give thanks for the call to care for and defend all people, whether familiar or stranger. From the Quran, Sura 4:"Be good toyourparents, torelatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbors near and far, totravelersin need, to those who your right hands possess."Let our lives be lives of kindness that seek the paths of justice, especially for those in the greatest need.
Dr. Tom Pace (Christian):We give thanks for the call to serve, for in giving we are called to share; in goodness, we are called to be good; in grace, we are called to be more graceful. The Gospel of Mark tells us: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”We see the face of the divine when we serve others.
Ms. Charlene Chuang (Buddhist):We give thanks for the wisdom that calls upon us to better ourselves. The Dhammapada tells us:“Conquer anger by not getting angry. Conquer badness with goodness. Conquer selfishness with generosity. Conquer dishonesty with truth.” May we all be the best that we can be.
Mr. Swatantra Jain (Jain): "We givethanksfor the call to learnand to grow.Fromthe Jain textTattvārthasūtra,"ParasparopagrahoJivanam,”means“souls render service to oneanother.”All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence.May we seek a balance of knowledge, faith, and conduct that can lead alltowards liberation, end misery, and bring harmony among people of different faiths.
Dr. Sushma Mahajan (Hindu): We give thanks for the unity we share in diversity. From theRigVeda, "Be united; speak in harmony; let your minds apprehend alike; common be your prayer; common be the end of your assembly; common be your resolution; common be your deliberations; unified be your hearts; common be your intentions; perfect be your unity."Like the tapestry after which this gathering takes its name, let us see the richness of the different threads forming a single work of art.
Dr. Sippi Khurana (Sikh): We give thanks for the call for respect. The Guru Granth Sahibcommands:"Recognize the Lord's Light (Spirit) within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter."Let us look at one another, regardless of who we are or what we believe, as people worthy of respect and understanding.
Sippi: And now, as we, of different faiths:
Sushma: different backgrounds
Swatantra: different points of view
Charlene: Offer our prayers for this event
Tom: Let our distinctions lead us to greater understanding and service
Fatima: And may our achievements advance the good of all.
Oren: And let us all say: AMEN