This afternoon we come with hearts deeply thankful for all the gifts we have. We are thankful to those who have helped Senator Atkins arrive at this historic moment: your sister Teni (Tina) and her family, your spouse Jennifer and in-laws Jack and Kate, and your mentor and friend, former Senator Christine Kehoe.
We are thankful for our Governor and your colleagues in the Senate and the Assembly whose hearts are overflowing with pride and gladness today.
As you assume your new responsibilities to lead our Senate as President Pro Tempore, may you be empowered to bear the responsibility of leadership with the wisdom and tenacity of our Biblical foremothers: Miriam, Judith, Devorah, Shifra and Puah, Mary, Pricilla and so many others who were written out of history just as today we write Toni Atkins into history.
May your wisdom and compassion inspire you to stand in solidarity with the needy and the poor, defeat injustice, and unify our state.
May you be guided to know and to do what is right, to challenge and defy anything, anything at all, that would diminish justice in our state, in our country and in the world.
May we all view this remarkable moment as an invitation to move forward, driven by purpose and determination, the work of repairing a world still struggling to overcome injustice, hate, and intolerance.
May all of our intentions be sincere, our labor selfless, and may our beautiful state continue to be a moral compass pointing us toward justice and inspiring others to follow.
In my Jewish tradition we recite a particular blessing when something new and wonderful happens in our lives. We say: Praised are you, God of many names, for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this great and auspicious moment together.……Shehechianu, v’kiyamanu, v’ higianu lazman hazeh.—AMEN.
