Messages of congratulations from Jewish organizations on the occasion of his inauguration were received at the White House by President Eisenhower today, as well as a message from Israel’s President Itzhak Ben Zvi. The messages of the American Jewish groups expressed the hope that America, under President Eisenhower’s direction, will continue its determined course to secure freedom and democracy for all peoples living under oppression.
President Eisenhower used two Bibles when he took the oath of office. One was his own and the other was the George Washington Bible. During the ceremony the President’s Bible was opened to II Chronicles chapter VII verse 14 reading: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.”
The George Washington Bible was opened to Psalm CXVII verseli “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. “
RABBI SILVER DELIVERS PRAYER AT SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver delivered a prayer at the ceremony. The benediction was delivered by Protestant Bishop Henry Knox Sherill. The invocation was delivered by the Most Rev. Patric A. O’Bofle, Catholic Archbishop of Washington. The text of Dr. Silver’s prayer reads:
“Oh, God who art beyond our knowledge but near to our hearts and our minds we pray this day for they servant, Dwight David Eisenhower, as he takes on the burden of the high office of President of the United States of America. Keep him with great kindness, oh Ruler of Nations and give him a wise and understanding heart that he may guide Thy people in these shadowed times in truth and steadfastness, in patience and in love. Guide then his hand always to Thy purpose and his will to Thy service. May he be the bringer of good tidings and the architect of a new hope for our country and for mankind.
“May Thy spirit rest upon the Vice-President of the United States and upon all the chosen representatives of our government. Be gracious, Oh God, to this our land and our people. Help us to preserve the blessed heritage of our freedom and make secure our institutions of law and equality and justice. May it be given unto all of us to walk in the dignity of free men, secure in our right and faithful in the
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
