Police Brutality Memorial Prayers

The following prayer, prepared by Virginia Spatz and Rabbi Gerry Serotta, was offered for use during the Yizkor (Memorial) service Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, 5777 at Fabrangen Havurah. It is based on the yizkor prayers of several different Jewish traditions, relying strongly on the notion that acts of tzedakah [righteousness, sometimes translated as “charity”] perpetuate the names — “bind up in the bonds of life” — of the deceased. (jump to PDF version)

For Yizkor:

Consider this reflection for those in our neighborhoods lost to state violence in 5776

As we endeavor to return to the Eternal One in these Days of Awe — and into the new year — we carry with us connections to those killed by violence perpetrated in our name in our own country. Among iniquities for which we beg forgiveness is failure to stop police killings, disproportionately affecting the black- and brown-skinned among us, or to address the underlying systemic racism. In this season of return, we ask God to accept our pledges of renewed examination of state power, including militarization of police, and of renewed commitment to human rights for all.

In this Memorial Service, we recall three unarmed black men killed by police in the District last year, along with six other black citizens, and no one of another skin color, killed by police in DC during 5776:

• James McBride, 74, Sep 29, 2015.
  Unarmed, leaving hospital without signing out. Killed by MedStar Special Police. Death ruled homicide.
• Alonzo Smith, 27, Nov 1, 2015.
  Unarmed, unexplained circumstances. Killed by Blackout Special Police. Death ruled homicide.
• Terrence Sterling, 31, Sep 11, 2016.
  Unarmed, shot contrary to protocol/orders. Killed by Metropolitan Police Dept. Death ruled homicide.
• Marquesha McMillan, 21, Oct 26, 2015.
  Armed with a gun. Killed by Metropolitan Police Department.
• James Covington, 62, Nov 2, 2015.
  Armed with a gun. Killed by Metropolitan Police Department.
• Darick Napper, 34, Nov 19, 2015.
  Armed with a knife. Killed by Metropolitan Police Department.
• Peter John, 36, Feb 1, 2016.
  Armed with a toy gun. Killed by Metropolitan Police Department.
• Sherman Evans, 63, June 27, 2016.
  Armed with a toy gun. Killed by Metropolitan Police Department.
• Sidney Washington, Jr., 21, July 4, 2016.
  Part of a July Fourth crowd shooting off fireworks and firearms. Killed by Metro Transit (Special) Police.

O God, full of mercy, Justice of the bereaved and Parent of orphans , take special notice of those lost to state killings in our own country. Master of compassion, shelter under the shadow of Your wings those whose lives ended in violence, often fueled by racial injustice. Grant proper rest for the souls of all who went to their eternal rest through such killings.

May these moments of meditation strengthen the ties linking this community with our most vulnerable and troubled members. I pledge tzedakah/charity to address racial injustices contributing to these deaths. Through such deeds, and through prayer and remembrance, may the souls of the departed be bound up in the bond of life. May they rest in peace forever.

Here is a printable PDF with DC losses included [yizkorreflection5777]
TOP