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Inspiration (Quotes, Poems, Psalms, People's Letters)
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Inspiration (Quotes, Poems, Psalms, People's Letters)
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James (Terry) Edmonds' Files
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FOIA Number: 2006-0462-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting
Series/Staff Member:
Terry Edmonds
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
10982
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Inspiration (Quotes, Poems, Psalms, People's Letters)
Stack:
Row:
Section:
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
To Terry Edmonds from Sharon Bloom (partial) (1 page)
01/05/96
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Terry Edmonds
OA/Box Number: 10982
FOLDER TITLE:
Inspiration (quotes, poems, psalms, people's letters)
2006-0462-F
ry615
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRAJ
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information ((a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors (a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
(610) 687-3494
Upon conclusion of the meeting, the President proceeds to the
Oval Office, while Prime Minster Prodi and President Santer
remain in the Cabinet Room.
--
Following a brief hold, Prime Minister Prodi and President
Santer proceed to the Oval Office to join the President.
4:25 pm
THE PRESIDENT escorts Prime Minster Prodi and President Santer
to OEOB 450
4:30 pm-
UNITED STATES-EUROPEAN UNION JOINT PRESS
4:55 pm
CONFERENCE
OEOB 450
Remarks:
Staff Contact: Tony Lake
OPEN PRESS
-
The President, Prime Minster Prodi and President Santer are
announced into the room and proceed to their podiums.
-
The President makes remarks.
--
Prime Minister Prodi makes remarks.
-
President Santer makes remarks.
--
Upon conclusion of remarks, the President, Prime Minster
Prodi and President Santer take questions from the press.
4:55 pm
-
The President, Prime Minster Prodi and President Santer hold
briefly, while the delegations proceed to the motorcade.
5:00 pm
--
The President escorts Prime Minster Prodi and President
Santer to West Executive Avenue and bids them farewell.
5:10 pm-
DEPARTURE PHOTO WITH MAJOR DARREN MCDEW
5:15 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Alan Sullivan
WHITE HOUSE PHOTO ONLY
5:25 pm-
PHONE/OFFICE TIME
6:30 pm
OVAL OFFICE
6:30 pm-
(T)
MEETING
7:15 pm
OVAL OFFICE
Staff Contact: Tony Lake
as of hmo 11. 1996 11:41am
of
63577
MCK QUOTE-
men
"WhAT self-centered / leAR
down, Other centered men
will build UP"
WORDS.
be the part of the
SNACT
people we I will get
Country who re
from
oneAmerica
third- we in said no - can't - let How restore
get away w/it again
The Bible tells us the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego -- three men of faith, cast
into a fiery furnace by the King of Babylon because they refused to worship his false gods
and idols. But when the King looked into the fire he saw "four men loose, walking in the
midst of the fire" He saw they were unhurt, and proclaimed that the "form of the fourth is
like the Son of God."
My friends, God saw the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego and walked beside
them in the furnace, and they walked from the fires unscathed.
Keep your faith, hold it fast, and these fires will never burn you, for God will walk beside
you for all your days.
P.01
JAN-05-96 FRI 12:56 PM
Date: January S, 1996
To: Terry Edmonds
(202) 456-5709 fax
T.E. -
Thinbs
From: Sharon Bloom
(410) 363-4561
(410)363-6422 fax
Tony B.
No. of pages including cover: 5
Terry, for
Thanks your time
Sharm
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. letter
To Terry Edmonds from Sharon Bloom (partial) (1 page)
01/05/96
P6/b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Terry Edmonds
OA/Box Number: 10982
FOLDER TITLE:
Inspiration (quotes, poems, psalms, people's letters)
2006-0462-F
ry615
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency I(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
P.02
JAN-05-96 FRI 12:56 PM
Sharon Bloom
(b)(6)
[001]
(b)(6)
Fax (410) 363-6422
January 5, 1996
Mr. Terry Edmonds
Presidential Speech Writer
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C.
Dear Terry,
It was great talking with you this morning. Congratulations on your new assignment!
As I mentioned in our conversation, my eight year old daughter Alyssa, who is in third
grade, came home from school and said "Mommy, I used my play time in school today to write
this speech and my teacher said I should bring it home to you." Well I couldn't imagine what
kind of speech Alyssa would be writing, I didn't even know she understood the concept of what a
speech was. You can imagine my surprise when I saw that my daughter had written a speech on
Bosnia! I asked her if the class had an assignment or had talked about Bosnia in Social Studies
and she said that they hadn't but writing this speech was just something she had been thinking
about for awhile. Still rather amazed, I talked to her teacher who confirmed that indeed Alyssa
had done this all on her own during play time.
I always knew that my daughter was a compassionate child but this speech, truly from her
heart, really touched me. So when I heard the President was traveling to Bosnia I decided to share
this with you. Sometimes it's the honesty of a child that brings the proper perspective to a
situation.
Thanks for taking the time to read it. I've retyped the copy and sent the original so you
could see both. Again, congratulations and good luck with the new job.
Regards,
Maron Sharon Bloom
P.03
JAN-05-96 FRI 12:57 PM
Peace In Bozniea (sic)
I know that there has been fighting in Bozniea (sic) for many years. But now is our chance to
make it stop! Just think if every body kept fighting this could lead to another war. Even though I
am only 8 years old even I want it to stop!
Please listen to my wish. And Please stop this fighting!
by Alyssa Bloom
speech
Peace
Been I know that there
JAN-05-96 Bazaie FRI 12:57 PM
in
many Fighting years. But in now Boznieq has For
chance think If to make it stop! is our
Fighting every body Just
an ther this could lead kept
Only 8 year, war, Even old though even I I to want am
P.04
P.
it to stop!
Please listen to +
JAN-05-96 FRI 12:58 PM
my
Stop this wish. fighting! And please
P. P.05 05
Bible Gatèway
.cgi-bin/bible?language=English&version=KJV&search=&passage=Genesis+37
The Bible Gateway
Genesis 37 (English-KJV)
See also: Previous chapter, This chapter, Next chapter, NIV, NASB, RSV, Darby, YLT
1
And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.
2
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and
the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father
their evil report.
3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of
many colours.
4
And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak
peaceably unto him.
5
And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
6
And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
7
For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your
sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
8
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they
hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
9
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and,
behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
10
And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that
thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
11
And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
12
And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
13
And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them.
And he said to him, Here am I.
14
And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me
word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
15
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What
seekest thou?
16
And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.
17
And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his
brethren, and found them in Dothan.
18
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.
19
And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.
20
Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured
him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
21
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
22
And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon
him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.
23
And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many
colours that was on him;
24
And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
25
And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came
from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.
26
And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
27
Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh.
And his brethren were content.
28
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to
the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
29
And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes.
30
And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?
31
And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;
32
And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now
whether it be thy son's coat or no.
33
And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
34
And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
35
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will
go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.
36
And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
See also: Previous chapter, This chapter, Next chapter
1 of 2
06/23/96 16:17:06
Bible Gateway
..cgi-bin/bible?language=English&version=KJV&search=&passage=Genesis+45
The Bible Gateway
Genesis 45 (English-KJV)
See also: Previous chapter, This chapter, Next chapter, NIV, NASB, RSV, Darby, YLT
1
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out
from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.
2
And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
3
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for
they were troubled at his presence.
4
And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your
brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
5
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to
preserve life.
6
For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be
earing nor harvest.
7
And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
8
So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his
house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
9
Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt:
come down unto me, tarry not:
10
And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's
children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:
11
And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou
hast, come to poverty.
12
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
13
And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down
my father hither.
14
And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
15
Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.
16
And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well,
and his servants.
17
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of
Canaan;
18
And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and
ye shall eat the fat of the land.
19
Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your
wives, and bring your father, and come.
20
Also regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is your's.
21
And the children of Israel did so: and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and
gave them provision for the way.
22
To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five
changes of raiment.
23
And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with
corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.
24
So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way.
25
And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their father,
26
And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for
he believed them not.
27
And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph
had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:
28
And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
See also: Previous chapter, This chapter, Next chapter
Gospel Communications Network (GCN). Online Christian Resources.
A Ministry of Gospel Films, Inc.
1 of 2
06/23/96 17:02:29
Llader
Rabbi Richard Agler
February 24, 1995
Congregation B'nai Israel
I Adar 25, 5755
Boca Raton, Fla.
Parshat Vayakhel
All the President's Psalms: 25, 27, 90, 103, 139
Recently President Clinton was quoted as saying
that when he has faced times of difficulty--both in the Presidency
and in life in general,
He has turned to the Bible for strength and comfort
He mentioned specifically, the Book of Psalms.
In response to the obvious question, "Which ones?"
One of his aides listed the specific Psalms
the President found especially meaningful.
They were Psalm #'s 25, 27, 90, 103 and 139
We've reprinted them for you this evening:
The story struck me for a number of reasons.
First, it was not the usual "religion" story that comes from Washington.
Far too often when there is a religious reference
in politics or the media these days,
It is more likely to be sensational than inspirational,
and divisive rather than unifying and uplifting.
But here was a non-partisan and apparently sincere testimony
to the importance of solid, contemplative faith
in the life of the most powerful man on earth.
That in itself was noteworthy.
It also struck me personally
I too have turned to the Book of Psalms in times of difficulty.
And such behavior is hardly unique.
Jewish tradition has prescribed Tehillim (Psalms)
as "the text to turn to" in time of trouble for millenia.
It's sad but true that far too many people are unaware of this,
and the Book of Psalms remains a stranger.
People in crisis frequently ask the rabbi,
"Where can I turn, Where can I find strength?
I often suggest: open up the Book of Psalms.
Get a good translation and just skim through it,
If you don't find strength and support there
I'd be more than surprised.
Again, you 11 also have plenty of company.
There's a chevra at the Western Wall in Jerusalem that
takes it as a duty to complete the book once a day.
The Siddur--our Prayerbook--is filled with excerpts from Psalms,
sometimes a psalm in its entirety--sometimes a phrase extracted.
It is impossible to complete a Jewish service without including
some section of Tehillim.
Of course this is not by accident.
The genius of the Book of Psalms is that it makes faith,
which can be difficult,
accessible, immediate and personal.
Psalms is non-doctrinaire, non-ritual, & for most part, non-historical
What it is is "poetry of the spirit."
And it can touch us all.
Regardless of our level of ritual observance.
our level of faith, even our religion.
It is a book that asks no questions,
but give countless answers.
No one needs an excuse to open up Book of Psalms.
but the President's statement gives us one--
so let's take advantage.
We ve photocopied the five that were mentioned for everyone
and we'll take a moment to read them one by one.
We'll do it individually and silently.
Maybe pretend you're the President and you have
problems with the media, the Russians, or the Republicans.
Better yet, pretend you're you, and you have
problems with the family, with business, w/the family business.
First Psalm 25. What does Ps. 25 say to us?
(Discussion followed)
Major themes:
V. 1ff. Our hope and trust should be in G-d
and we should try to walk on G-d's Path.
V. 4 Help show us the right path--of goodness
This path saves us from distress.
Questn: If it was so obvious what G-d wants and we know this,
why do we need help in walking right path?
Ans: Because we do. Knowing right is not enough to get
us to "walking right." G-d helps those who turn to G-d- for help.
V. 7 Forgive our youthful sins and transgressions.
President and everybody else has them.
Anybody here not?
VV. 15-20 G-d will deliver us from our enemies--please!
When we walk in the path of integrity and uprightness.
All Presidents have enemies. As do most of us. Bible counsels:
Deliverance comes from refuge in the Highest
Not "street fighting" like the lowest.
Let's try Psalm 27. This one has similar themes to Psalm 25.
Incidentally. it is read each morning during month prior to New Year
just before the shofar is sounded,
until the conclusion of the fall holiday season.
Major themes:
VV. 1-3: G-d is the source of our strength G-d is our inner integrity.
This strength and integrity give us confidence in time of travail.
(Competing "self-righteousnesses" should be negotiated upward.)
VV. 4-6: To live in the house of the L-rd is what I seek.
Interesting from someone who lives in the White House--
G-d's house is better!
And we can all live in it--with faith and with right life.
G-d is also our shelter, protection and source of joy (4b, 6b).
VV. 7-13: A plea for G-d not to be hidden from us.
For we know that even all of our self-confidence and integrity
is ultimately weak. We always need more than what we have
Especially in time of difficulty.
V. 14: Therefore, Look to the L-rd!
Psalm 90. Interesting choice as Presidential "favorite"
Part of traditional Sabbath a.m. service
but better known for it's use in Jewish funerals.
Immediate response to say it is somehow "morbid."
Not it at all. Ps. 90 puts life in perspective. Let's read it.
Themes:
VV. 1-4: G-d is Eternal
VV. 5-10: while our lives are brief, and difficult,
VV 10 & 17: Teach us to use our time well:
help us fashion for ourselves a heart of wisdom and
create works that will endure.
Psalm 103. Used in Jewish liturgy as prayer for sick. viz V. 3.
Major themes:
We not as bad off as we think we are, nor as we could be.
We often quick to blame G-d when things go wrong
and slow to thank G-d when things are good.
Dr. Eugene Borowitz, our scholar in residence spoke of this:
More of our good deeds are rewarded than bad ones punished.
Rabbi H. Kushner: Disasters get reported widely, good things do not.
V. 15-18: Life is short, things come and go. (Presidencies)
therefore keep the "covenant" (term used by Pres. in major speeches)
and know goodness/G-d's benificence.
V 20f: Praise all G-d's works and G-d's co-workers/partners.
Psalm 139. Called "one of the most magnificent of the Psalms. A supreme
expression of the omnipotence of G-d and of the intimate personal
relationship between man and his Maker." R. Joseph Hertz
VV. 1-11: You know me intimately-- You made me/formed me
I am small, You are everywhere but
V. 14: I am part of You, so I can be great as well.
V. 24: Guide me in ways everlasting.
Common theme to all the President's Psalms (and most others):
We need help from above, from the One who made us,
in order to be all that we can be,
and to walk the path of righteousness.
Left to our own devices, we are rarely good enough,
certainly not as good as we could be with G-d's help,
and with the help of our tradition of learning and devotion.
It is good to have a President who understands it's important
to turn to the Source of help in times of need,
and in ordinary times as well.
We don't yet know how history will judge President Clinton
But we can say that if his spiritual insight
and appreciation for these Psalms is both genuine and lasting
no matter what the critics say,
when his time comes, he will leave office
not only with a sense of accomplishment, but blessing as well.
Shabbat Shalom.
"All the
President's Psalms -
25, 27, 90, 103, 139"
Shabbat Services
Friday evening,
/
February 24, 1995
25
Of David.
27
M
O LORD. I set my hope on You;
()f David.
]
²my God, in You I trust;
may [ not be disappointed,
The LORD is my light and my help;
may my enemies not exult over me.
whom should I fear?
2
³() let none who look to You be disappointed:
The LORD is the stronghold of my life.
let the faithless be disappointed, empty-handed.
whom should I dread?
7
+Let me know Your paths, O LORD;
When evil men assail me
teach me Your wavs;
3 to devour my Hesh ²-
17
"guide me in Your true way and teach me,
it is they. ny toes and nw enemies,
for You are God, my deliverer;
who stumble and fall.
it is You-I look to at all times.
'Should an army besiege me,
T
O LORD, be mindful of Your compassion
my heart would have no fear;
and Your faithfulness;
should war beset me.
they arc old as time:
still would I be confident
n
7Bc not mindful of my youthful sins and transgressions:
in keeping with Your faithfulness consider what is in mv
One thing Lask of the LORD,
favor,
only that do I seek:
as befits Your goodness, O LORD.
to live in the house of the LORD
U
"Good and upright is the LORD;
all the days of my life.
therefore Hc shows sinners the way.
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.
"He guides the lowly in the right path,
"to frequent His temple.
and teaches the lowly His way.
*He will shelter mc in His pavilion
ri
"All the LORD'S paths are steadfast love
on an cvil day,
for those who keep the decrees of His covenant.
grant mc the protection of His tent.
5
"As befits Your name, O LORD,
raise me high upon a rock.
pardon my iniquity though it bc great.
"Now is my head high
n
12Whoever fears the LORD.
over my enemies roundabout:
he shall be shown what path to choose.
I sacrifice in His-tent with shouts of joy,
)
"He shall live a happy life.
singing and chanting a hymn to the LORD.
and his children shall inherit the land.
D
:+The counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him;
Hear. O LORD, when I cry aloud;
to them Hc makes known His covenant.
have mercy on me, answer mc.
y
15Mv CVCS are ever toward the LORD.
8 In Your bchalf my heart says:
for He will loose my feet from the net.
"Seek My face!"
16Turn to me. have mercy on me,
O LORD, I seck Your face.
17
for I am alone and afflicted.
"Do not hidc Your face from me;
17b-Mv deep distress increases;
do not thrust aside Your servant in anger;
deliver mc from nw straits.
You have cvcr been my help.
13Look at my affliction and suffering,
Do not forsake mc. do not abandon mc.
and forgive all my sins.
O God. my deliverer.
19See how: numerous my enemies are.
"Though my father and mother abandon mé,
and how unjustly they hate me!
the LORD will take-ine in.
Protect me and save me:
"Show mc Your way. O LORD.
let me not bc disappointed,
and lead mc on J level path
for I have sought refuge in You.
because of my watchful foes
May integrity and uprightness watch over me,
Do not subject me to the will of my foes.
for I look to You.
for false witnesses and unjust accusers
::0 God. redeem Israel
have appeared against me.
from all its distress.
"Had I not the assurance
that I would enjoy the goodness or the LORD
in the land of the living
*Look to the LORD:
be strong and of good courage'
C look (1) the LORD!
139
For the leader. Of David. A psalm.
O LORD, You have examined me and know me.
When I sit down or stand up You know it;
You discern mv thoughts from afar.
You observe my walking and reclining,
and are familiar with all my ways.
*There is not a word on mv tongue
but that You, O LORD. know it well.
"You hedge me before and behind;
You lav Your hand upon me.
oft is beyond my knowledge;
it is a mystery; I cannot fathom it.
Where can I escape from Your spirit?
Where can I Hee from Your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
if I descend to Shcol. You are there too.
"If I take wing with the dawn
to come to rest on the western horizon,
10even there Your hand will be guiding mc.
Your right hand will be holding me fast.
"If I sav. "Surcly darkness b-will conceal me,
night will provide mc with cover,"ᵇ
"darkness is not dark for You;
night is as light as day;
darkness and light are the same.
13IC was You who created my conscience;s
You fashioned mc in my mother's womb.
14I praise You,
for I am awesomely, wondrously made;
Your work is wonderful;
I know it very well.
15My frame was not concealed from You
when I was shaped in a hidden place,
knit together in the recesses of the carth.
10 Your CVCS saw my unformed limbs;
they were all recorded in Your book;
in due time they were formed,
sto the very last one of them.
How weighty Your thoughts seem to me. O God.
how great their number!
181 count them-they exceed the grains of sand:
I end-but am still with You.
"O God. if You would only slav the wicked—
you murderers. away from me!-
20.1 who invoke You for intrigue.
Your enemies who swear by You falselv.
0 LORD. You know I hate those who hate You.
and loathe Your adversaries.
A feel a perfect hatred toward them:
I count them ny enemics.
Examine me. O God. and know my mind;
probe me and know my thoughts.
See if I have verations ways,
and guide me in ways everlasting.
90A
103
Of David.
prayer of Moscs, the man of God.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
O Lord, You have been our refuge in every generation.
all my being, His holy name.
Before the mountains came into being,
:Bless the LORD, O my soul
before You brought forth the carth and the world.
and do not forget all His bounties.
from eternity to eternity You are God.
3Hc forgives all your sins.
heals all your discases.
'You return man to dust;
He redeems your life from the Pit,
You decreed, "Return you mortals!"
surrounds you with steadfast love and mercy.
+h-For in Your sight a thousand years
3Hc satistics you with good things in "the prime of life.
are like vesterday that has past,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
like'a watch of the night.
⁵You engulf men in sleep;-b
at davbreak they are like grass that renews itself;
The LORD executes rightcous acts
and judgments for all who are wronged.
°at davbreak it flourishes ancw;
He made known His wavs to Moses.
by dusk it withers and drics up.
His deeds to the children of Israel.
So WC are consumed by Your anger,
The LORD is compassionate and gracious.
terror-struck by Your furv.
slow to anger. abounding in steadfast love.
"You have set our iniquities before You.
"He will not contend forever.
our hidden sins in the light of Your face.
or nurse His anger for all time.
"All our days pass away in Your wrath;
"He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
we spend our years like'a sigh.
nor has He required us according to our iniquities.
"The span of our life is seventy years.
"For as the heavens are high above the earth.
or, given the strength. cighty years;
so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Hi:
but the bcst of them⁻h arc trouble and sorrow.
HAs cast is far from west.
They pass by speedily, and we care in darkness.
so far has He removed our sins from us.
"Who can know Your furious anger?
its J father has compassion for his children.
Your wrath matches the fear of You.
SO the LORD has compassion for those who fear Him.
"Teach us to count our davs rightly.
"For Hc knows how we are formed;
that WC may obrain a wise heart.
He is mindful that we are dust.
"Turn, O LORD!
15Man. his davs are like those of grass:
How long?
he blooms like a Hower of the ficld;
Show mercy to Your servants.
163 wind passes by and it is no more.
14Satisfy us at davbreak with Your steadfast love
its own place no longer knows it.
that we may sing for joy all our days.
"But the LORD'S steadfast love is for all etemity
15Ciive us joy for as long as You have afflicted us.
toward those who fear Him.
for the years we have suffered misfortune.
and His beneficence is for the children's children
"f.et Your deeds be seen by Your servants.
1801 those who keep His covenant
Your glon by their children.
and remember to observe His precepts.
May the favor of the LORD, our God. be upon us:
"The LORD has established His throne in heaven.
let the work of our hands prosper.
and His sovereign rule is over all.
() prosper the work of our hands!
coBless the LORD. O His angels.
mighty creatures who do His bidding,
ever obedient to His bidding:
"bless the LORD. all His hosts.
I his servants who do His will;
2-bless the LORD. all His works.
through the length and breadth of His realm:
bless the LORD. O my soûl.
From Abraham Lincoln:
"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no
where else to go. In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all. And it comes with bitter
agony. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time."
Cervantes:
"Tomorrow will be a new day. When God sends the dawn, he sends it for us all."
Job 5:18
"For he maketh sore and bindeth up; he woundeth and his hands make whole."
Revelations 7:17
"For the lamb, which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto
living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Unattributed (a takeoff on something Tony Campolo says)
"At times like this, we must remember, we will know joy again, but we will never be the
same."
Oscar Wilde
"Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are called according to His purpose."
Reinhold Niebuihr
"Nothing that is worth anything can be achieved in a lifetime; therefore, we must be saved
by hope."
Romans 8:24,25
"For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also
hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with persevence, we wait
eagerly for it."
Romans: 12:11
"Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering
in tribulation, devoted to prayer."
MLK
[on why Brown was in Bosnia]
"Man must evolve for all human conflict, a method which rejects revenge, aggression and
retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."
Psalm 39:7
And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee."
Psalm 62:5
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and
my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken."
PRESERVATION PHOTOCOPY
DANIEL, CHAPTER 3
King James' Version
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits,
and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of
Babylon.
2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the
captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the
provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set
up.
3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors,
the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the
dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before
the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages,
5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery,
dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that
Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up:
6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst
of a burning fiery furnace.
7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,
sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of musick, all the people, the nations, and the languages,
fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.
9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.
10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet,
flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and
worship the golden image:
11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a
burning fiery furnace.
12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, 0 king, have not regarded thee: they
serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and
DANIEL, CHAPTER 3
Revised Standard Version
1 King Nebuchadnez'zar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its
breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.
2 Then King Nebuchadnez'zar sent to assemble the satraps, the prefects, and the governors,
the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the
provinces to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnez'zar had set
up.
3 Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the
justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, were assembled for the
dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnez'zar had set up; and they stood before the
limage that Nebuchadnez'zar had set up.
4 And the herald proclaimed aloud, "You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and
languages,
5 that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every
kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King
Nebuchadnez'zar has set up;
6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning
fiery furnace."
7 Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon,
harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down
and worshiped the golden image which King Nebuchadnez'zar had set up.
8 Therefore at that time certain Chalde'ans came forward and maliciously accused the
Jews.
9 They said to King Nebuchadnez'zar, "O king, live for ever!
10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe,
lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the
golden image;
11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace.
12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of
Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. These men, O king, pay no heed to you;
they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."
13 Then Nebuchadnez'zar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed'nego be brought. Then they brought these men before the king.
14 Nebuchadnez'zar said to them, "Is it true, 0 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, that
you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image which I have set up?
15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp,
bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image which I have
made, well and good; but if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a
burning fiery furnace; and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?"
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnez'zar, we have no
need to answer you in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace;
and he will deliver us out of your hand, 0 king.
18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the
golden image which you have set up."
19 Then Nebuchadnez'zar was full of fury, and the expression of his face was changed
against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times
more than it was wont to be heated.
20 And he ordered certain mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abed'nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their mantles, their tunics, their hats, and their other
garments, and they were cast into the burning fiery furnace.
22 Because the king's order was strict and the furnace very hot, the flame of the fire slew
those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, fell bound into the burning
fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnez'zar was astonished and rose up in haste. He said to his
counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered the king,
"True, O king."
25 He answered, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are
not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods."
26 Then Nebuchadnez'zar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace and said,
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, servants of the Most High God, come forth, and
come here!" Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego came out from the fire.
27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together
and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of
their heads was not singed, their mantles were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come
upon them.
28 Nebuchadnez'zar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego, who
has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set at nought the
king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god
except their own God.
29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against
the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego shall be torn limb from limb, and their
houses laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way."
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed'nego in the province of Babylon.
Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.
14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, 0 Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?
15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp,
sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the
image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into
the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my
hands?
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar,
we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship
the golden image which thou hast set up.
19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should
heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.
20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other
garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot,
the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst
of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said
unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They
answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and
they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake,
and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come
forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst
of the fire.
27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered
together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of
their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on
them.
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and
have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor
worship any god, except their own God.
29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any
thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces,
and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver
after this sort.
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.