January 17, 2003/Shevat 14 5763, Vol. 55, No. 21
'One Arizona'Rabbi speaks at prayer breakfast
BARRY COHEN
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 Rabbi Bonnie Koppell addresses the prayer breakfast, joining an array of community religious leaders, including Gov. Janet Napalitano, left. Photo by Barry Cohen |
Koppell joined clergy representing the Baptist, Church of Christ, Muslim, Sikh, Bahai, Presbyterian, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Buddhist, Methodist, Catholic and Hindu faiths at the Governor's prayer breakfast on Jan. 6 at the state capitol.
The "Many Lands, Many People, Many Faiths, One Arizona" prayer service kicked off the inauguration day of Governor-elect Janet Napolitano.
"It inspires tremendous confidence in Governor-elect Napolitano that she would convene this multi-faith worship service," says Koppell. "It speaks well of her future administration."
Following is an excerpt of Koppell's speech, which highlighted Scripture as a guide for proper leadership, stressing the respect and dignity of every citizen:
"There are so many biblical texts that speak to our hearts, commanding that we treat all of God's children with the dignity and respect we all deserve as being created, 'in the image of God.'
Thirty-six times the Torah enjoins us to have one law for the native and the stranger. 'You shall not insult the deaf,' we read in Leviticus, 'or place a stumbling block before the blind.' We are taught to 'Uphold the cause of the fatherless and the widow.' Caring for each other is fundamental to the biblical perspective.
The prophets continue this theme. Amos stresses the equality of all God's children, as we read, 'To Me, O Israelites, you are just like the Ethiopians. True, I brought Israel up from the Land of Egypt, but also the Philistines from Caphtor and the Arameans from Kir.'
I'll conclude with the words of Isaiah, who speaks to the auspicious occasion which brings us together today, and offers wisdom for our governor and for each one of us, 'Behold a ruler shall reign in righteousness, and ministers shall govern with justice ... then justice shall abide in the wilderness, and righteousness dwell on the farm land. ... Then my people shall dwell in peaceful homes, in secure dwellings, in untroubled places of rest.' "