Yeshiva U. Rabbi Berman Joins In Praying For President Donald Trump
Rabbi Berman was joined by Father Frank Mann of New York and Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of Michigan.
Yeshiva University President Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman spoke at the Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, followed by prayers by an Evangelical Christian pastor and a Roman Catholic priest.. Dr. Berman is the ninth rabbi to speak at a presidential inauguration. The first was Rabbi Samuel Thurman of United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis, in President Harry Truman’s home state of Missouri, joined the Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy.
Dr. Berman stated, "Prophet Jeremiah walked the streets of Jerusalem and blessed its inhabitants with the words: 'Blessed is the one who trusts in G-d.' Thousands of years later, this great nation which adopted these words as its motto: 'In G-d we trust,' stands at a moment of historic opportunity. Americans are searching for meaning. Our merciful Father, help us rise to meet this moment. Bless President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance with the strength and courage to choose the right and good. Unite us around our foundational biblical values, of life and liberty, of service and sacrifice, and especially of faith and morality.”
"Guide our schools and college campuses which have been experiencing such unrest, to inspire the next generation to pair progress with purpose, knowledge with wisdom, and truth with virtue," Dr. Berman added.
Praying for the hostages still held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, he prayed, "Hear the cry of the hostages, both American and Israeli, whose pain our President so acutely feels. We are so thankful for the three young women who yesterday returned home. And pray that the next four years bring peace to Israel and throughout the Middle East.”
He concluded: "Almighty G-d, grant all Americans the opportunity to realize our shared dream of a life filled with peace and plenty, health and happiness, compassion and contribution. Stir within us the confidence to rise to this moment, for while we trust in G-d, G-d's trust is in us, the American people. America is called to greatness, to be a beacon of light and a mover of history. May our nation merit the fulfillment of Jeremiah's blessing, that like a tree planted by water, we shall not cease to bear fruit. May all of your blessings."
Rev. Lorenzo Sewell of Detroit MI then spoke, saying, “Heavenly father we are so grateful that you gave our 45th and now our 47th president a millimeter miracle," in reference to the first attempt on Trump's life in July 2024.
Rev. Frank Mann of the Roman Catholic diocese of Brooklyn said, “We lift our hearts in gratitude for the beloved parents of President Trump. Without Mary and Fred Trump, this day would never be the miracle that has just begun." He added, "From their place in heaven, may they shield their son from all harm by their loving protection, and give him the strength to guide our nation along the path that will make America great again."