This new 3 part ritual, created by Fringes’ liturgist Elliott batTzedek, is for those moments when we need to view images of violence. While serving as a witness is an important social role, the tsunami of violent images in our culture has served to dehumanize those caught in the images and those who view them. This ritual is designed to help us better choose which images we do actually need to take in, and to prepare ourselves for viewing as an intentional act. The three intentions and prayers, for before, during, and after viewing, are words to help us brace ourselves and acknowledge that those in the photos probably never consented to have their photos spread around the world.

Prayers for Viewing Images of Violence

Before viewing

Intention

Before I view this photograph I acknowledge betzelem elohim – all humans are created in the image of the Divine – and that within the violence in this tzelem/photograph the holy still dwells. I come with ayni hachayim, the eyes of the living, in order to bear witness to the violence recorded within this image.

Blessing

נְבָרֵךְ אֶת עֵין הַחַיִים אֲנַחְנוּ נִזְכָרִים שֶכָל הַחַיִים קְדוֹשִים

N’vareykh et ein ha’chayim, anachnu nizkharim sh’khol ha’chayim k’doshim
As we bless the source of life, we are reminded that all life is holy

During looking

Intention

I am witnessing this image of the harm done to this life/these lives. I acknowledge this looking lacks consent and that my justification for this viewing must be to help the heavens cry out on their behalf.

Blessing

נְבָרֵךְ אֶת עֵין הַחַיִים אֲנַחְנוּ עֵדִים כְּדֵי לְכַבֵּד אֶת הַבְּרִיאָה

N’vareykh et ein ha’chayim, anachnu edim k’dei l’khaber et hab’riah
As we bless the source of life, we witness in order to honor creation

After looking

Intention

To oneself: I acknowedge everything I feel – grief, anger, betrayal, confusion, helplessness, the intention to act, the despair of having no answers for how to help. These make me human. These tell me I choose to know and to not remain numb to violence.

To the people in the photos:  If our witnessing has caused you any additional harm, we ask your forgiveness. Where your voice has been silenced, ours must be louder, as the one who knows must become the one who acts.

נְבָרֵך אֶת עֵין הַחַיִים  אֲנַחְנוּ מַכְרִיזִים: אָסוּר לָתֵת לְזֶה לְהִמָּשִׁיךְ

N’vareykh et ein ha’chayim, anachnu makh’rizim: asur latet l’zeh l’himashikh

As we bless the source of life, we proclaim: this must not be allowed to continue