Video – Rabbi Shea Harlig Delivers Invocation at U.S. Senate

In honor of Gimmel Tamuz Rabbi Shea Harlig of Chabad of Southern Nevada was invited to open todays session of the United States Senate in Washington. He was invited by Senate Democratic majority leader Harry Reid from Nevada.

Almighty G-d, the members of this prestigious body, the United States Senate, convene here in the spirit of one of the seven Noahide Laws which were set forth by You as an eternal universal code of ethics for all of mankind.

These seven laws are: To worship You alone; never to blaspheme Your Holy Name; not to murder; not to commit adultery or any such aberration; not to steal or be deceitful; not to be cruel to any living creature; and that every society be governed by just laws which are based in the recognition of You, O G-d, as the Sovereign Ruler of all people and all nations.

We, the citizens of this blessed country proudly proclaim this recognition and our commitment to justice in our Pledge of Allegiance “One Nation – Under G-d – with Liberty and Justice for All.

Grant us Almighty G-d that those assembled here be aware of Your presence and conduct their deliberations accordingly. Bless them with good health, wisdom, compassion, and good fellowship.

On this twenty-fifth day of June, 2009, which corresponds to the Third Day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, we are 15 years – to the day – from the physical passing of our esteemed spiritual leader, The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory, who consistently extolled the virtues of this great land as a “Nation of Kindness.

I beseech you, Almighty G-d, to grant renewed strength and fortitude to all who protect, preserve and help further these ideals so essential to the dignity of the human spirit. Please grant that our beloved Rebbe’s vision of a world of peace and tranquility – free of war, hatred and strife – be realized speedily in our days.

G-d Bless this hallowed body. G-d Bless our troops who stand in defense of this great land. G-d Bless the United States of America.