RABBI STERN'S OPENING REMARKS

President Bush declared that September 16 be a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. His words echo our feelings tonight as we embark on commemorating the castrophe that has occurred as well as the wellspring of good will and volunterring that responded to alleviate the plight of so many hurt and stranded. It is important "to honor the memory of those who lost their lives, to provide comfort and strength to the families of the victims, and to help ease the burden of the survivors," President Bush said, calling "upon all Americans to pray to Almighty God and to perform acts of service."

"We pledge our support for those who have been injured and for the communities that are struggling to rebuild. We offer thanks to God for the goodness and generosity of so many Americans who have come together to provide relief and bring hope to fellow citizens in need. Our Nation is united in compassion for the victims and in resolve to overcome the tremendous loss that has come to America. We will strive together in this effort, and we will prevail through perseverance and prayer."

"Americans are reaching out to those who suffer by opening their hearts, homes, and communities. Their actions demonstrate the greatest compassion one person may show to another: to love your neighbor as yourself. Across our Nation, so many selfless deeds reflect the promise" of the Torah not to let the floods of Noah destroy this world again

"We are determined that the Gulf Coast region will rise again. The tasks before us are enormous, and so is the heart of America. We will continue to comfort and care for the survivors. We will once again show the world that the worst adversities bring out the best in the American people."

(End of excerpts from President Bush's Proclamation)

ושאבתם מים בששון ממעיני היישועה

And you shall draw water in joy from the wells of salvation

(The paragraphs below were from Rabbi Paul J. Kipnes' Prayer for Flood-filled Days)

"We also know that we can seek You L-ord in the waters. We recall Your Loving Hand, guiding us in our infancy:"

"From a barren rock, You brought forth water to quench our thirst, In the midst of a journey through the wilderness, You showed Miriam a myriad of wells which healed our parched throats, You guided us through Yam Suf , the Red Sea, moving us past destruction toward new life and new beginnings. Through Your love, we found our way."

Now with your help we will one day draw from the waters of salvation to rebuild new lives, new places, new hopes and dreams, Amen.

"Draw us close to those harmed by these waters, hearing their cries, responding to their needs. Lead us to support those who will fix the cities, care for the displaced, who bring healing to those suffering. Though our attention spans seem so short, may we be slow to forget those who were in danger."

"Please bring a warm wind and hot sun from the heavenly realms to help dry up the flood waters."

"And may we all embrace at least one lesson spoken aloud by so many who -- facing the floods -- rushed to pack up their valuables:"

"That memories of love and of time spent with family and friends are priceless, holy and sacred. This can never be taken away. As we rush to meet the challenge of living in this imperfect world of ours, May we slow down enough to cherish those who are truly valuable -- kadosh /holy -- to us."

"Baruch Ata Adonai, Hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol. Blessed are You, O God, who differentiates between the truly Valuable and everything else."