No Light Extinguished

Thinking about some dear ones I love on this Transgender Day of Remembrance, and praying that the light of God’s all-encompassing love would flood over us, illuminating darkness, offering generous welcome, instilling peace.

Blessed is God, in Whom no light is extinguished.

A prayer:

God full of mercy, bless the souls of all who are in our hearts on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. We call to mind today young and old, of every race, faith, and gender experience, who have died by violence….As many as we can name, there are thousands more whom we cannot, and for whom no Kaddish may have been said. We mourn their senseless deaths, and give thanks for their lives, for their teaching, and for the brief glow of each holy flame. 

And as we remember them, we remember with them the thousands more who have taken their own lives. We pray for resolve to root out the injustice, ignorance, and cruelty that grow despair. And we pray, God, that all those who perpetrate hate and violence will speedily come to understand that Your creation has many faces, many genders, many holy expressions.

Blessed are they, who have allowed their divine image to shine in the world.

Blessed is God, in Whom no light is extinguished.

Reuben Zellman

Rabbinical Intern, Congregation Beth Simchat Torah,

New York City

November 2005