JANUARY 19 • 2023 | 15

O

ffering a prayer for 
the administration, 
Rabbi Alicia Harris 
joined Gov. Gretchen 
Whitmer on the dais during 
the inauguration ceremony 
on Jan. 1, 2023. 
Since her arrival at Shir 
Tikvah, Rabbi Harris has 
been part of the governor’s 
Ecumenical Council. This 
group of faith leaders from 
around the state performs a 
variety of services, including 
prayers for the electors, 
statements on voting rights 
and acting as election 
chaplains. It was in this 
role that Rabbi Harris was 
asked to offer a prayer at 
the inauguration by Dion 
Williams, director of Faith-
Based and Urban Affairs for 
the State of Michigan.
“I was excited and proud,” 

Rabbi Harris said when 
asked about the experience. 
“This wasn’t a partisan 
experience; Jews have been 
praying for the wellbeing of 
our government since we 
were instructed to do so by 
the prophet Jeremiah.” 

Rabbi Harris’ prayer asked 
for the protection and health 
of our leaders in Michigan, 
that they and their families 
have “health, prosperity and 
joy.” 
The rabbi prayed to the 
“Source of Strength” for the 

governor and administration 
to look to the “tough and 
resilient people of Michigan” 
and be inspired to follow 
their example, and that they 
“strive for the day that all 
will be at one and at peace.” 
Rabbi Harris worked to 
reach all those listening. 
“I try to use a variety of 
names for God for people to 
connect to something within 
themselves and with the 
Divine.” 
She went on to call upon 
our governor and other 
elected officials to be able to 
make just and fair decisions. 
Rabbi Harris ended with 
an idea that speaks to a basic 
tenant of Judaism. Justice is a 
full part of the Jewish view of 
how life should be; it is part 
of the Covenant. Quoting the 
Prophet Amos, “Let justice 
roll down as waters and 
righteousness as a mighty 
stream. Let it be God’s will.” 
A livestream recording of 
the inauguration ceremony 
can be watched on WDIV’s 
website. Rabbi Harris offers 
her invocation around the 
39-minute mark. 

Congregation Shir Tikvah is a Reform 

and Renewal synagogue that wel-

comes new members. They invite you 

to join them in worship and community 

with Rabbi Alicia. www.shirtikvah.org 

Inaugural Prayer

Rabbi Alicia Harris offered the prayer at 
Gov. Whitmer’s inauguration. 

KATHRYN NELSON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS 

Rabbi Alicia Harris 
offers the prayer at Gov. 
Whitmer’s inauguration.

Rabbi Harris on 
the dais during the 
inauguration ceremony

