Invoking the beauty and majesty of the celestial luminaries, Rabbi Milton Balkany prays that American governors will heed the will of the people since their wisdom comes from the strength of families, the foundation of our civilization.

Our Father In Heaven!

A host of lights brighten your creation: the radiant, life-sustaining sun, the luminous moon that glows at night - each beacon has its purpose and calling. We pause and give thanks to you for the brilliant radiance cast by the lamps that glowed closer to home in our state capitals. Through your providence and blessing, men and women of honor have been placed at the helm of each state, from the caverns in New Mexico through Louisiana’s mysterious bayou, across the snowy peaks of Idaho and up the dazzling heights of New York’s skyline; our governors are rudders against the tide of confusion, ever guiding us to brighter shores. For when our governors trust the wisdom of the people, they have put their faith into families, the bedrock of our civilization. We pray to you: fortify us with the strength, the will and the insight to restore the dignity of families everywhere. Oh G-d, be our beacon through the night. Help guide our ship of sound government to harbors of safety, prosperity and hope. Amen.

In the following lovely invocation Rabbi Milton Balkany compares the journey of politician Mel Martinez of Florida to the great biblical hero Joseph. Rabbi Balkany wishes for Mr. Martinez the success of Joseph, and to the United States the prosperity of Egypt.

Our father in heaven!

Your pillar of fire guided the Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. Today our pillars through the wilderness of these modern times are the epic homilies of your scripture. As we gather here today in support of Mel Martinez, our beacon is the life story of Joseph, son of Jacob and his beloved wife Rachel. On a camel’s back, Joseph was taken far from his boyhood home to a strange new land. On the wings of “Operation Pedro Pan”, Mel Martinez was lifted from his home in sagua la grande [sa’gwa la gran’da] and set down within the heart of this blessed country. Far from home, Joseph began life anew in Egypt. With little more than a love of baseball and a small suitcase, Mel started his new life without a mother’s warm hug or a father’s firm hand to shield him. Never did Mel’s resolve flicker, because like Joseph, he was a dreamer and he dreamed American dreams. In the bible, mighty Pharaoh was moved to ask Joseph to mount the steps towards the throne and serve as viceroy. With hard work, perseverance and unswerving moral vision, Mel nurtured the spark of America’s promise until our president called upon him to enter the white house and share his good counsel. The parallel extends to our purpose today. Oh L-rd we beseech you. Be with Mel Martinez, his lovely wife Kitty, and his children and grandchildren like you were with Joseph. For when Joseph reigned, Egypt was granted seven years of abundance. With humility, we ask you to grant Mel Martinez victory in his senate race so that the great state of Florida and our nation may enjoy at least six years of blessing and prosperity. Amen.

Factors, Allard and Nichols Repients of Balkany Blessings

Below is a heartfelt praise of Mallory and Elizabeth Factor for their contribution to the future of leadership in America; and to Senators Nichols and Allard for their dedication to strengthening the American enterprise.

Our Father In Heaven!

Bless America for her sons and daughters are like no other. They breathe freedom and taste prosperity while remaining ever cognizant of their obligation; their cheerful duty to embrace the call of the hour. Shine your countenance upon Mallory and Elizabeth Factor who nurture the future of great men and women who hold the key to unlock the answers to tomorrow’s challenges and tomorrow’s hopes. In this critical hour when the most malevolent wish to dim the brilliance of our proud, open, American lifestyle, we pray to you, Oh L-rd, to fan the spark of the brightest minds of our nation. Shine your guiding light upon our friends Senator Don Nichols of Oklahoma and Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado so that they may see the path of righteousness among the brambles. Illuminate the way of moral clarity through the obstacles. We pray that we may count on your special providence so that we may continue to sing of our purple mountain majesties with one united voice. G-d Bless America. Amen.