Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

House made of dawn. House made of evening light. House made of the dark cloud. House made of male and female rain. House made of dark mist. House made of pollen. House made of grasshoppers. Dark cloud is at the door. The trail out of it is dark cloud. The zigzag lightning stands high upon it. An offering I make. Restore my feet for me. Restore my legs for me. restore my body for me. Restore my mind for me. Restore my voice for me. This very day take out your spell for me. Happily I recover. Happily my interior becomes cool. Exactly, Officer Cook, you maintained law and order in part because of your compassionately calm interior and exterior. No matter the time of day or meteorological conditions outside, it was my neighbor, friend and hero who rests in peace because of your honor, dignity and integrity in restoring, preserving, serving and protecting the goodwill of all Dade County residents. Your feet, legs and whatever a good police officer needs to carryout their assignments were utilized in humbleness and with a God-given faithful vigor. You were a humbly grand person whose stellar character will always be legendary.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 29, 2014

Oh God of all, at this time of our gradual awakening to the dangers we are imposing on our beautiful Earth, open the hearts and minds of your children, that we may learn to nurture rather than destroy our planet. Amen. Your nurtured us all, Officer Cook, with your candor and beautifully crisp pictures of nature outdoors in all its splendor. You were by your stellar character a gentleman who prided himself on responsibility and devotion to the calls of duty. No citizen, no colleague of yours ever had to worry about how you would perform. Outstanding beyond any one of our imaginations. Your determination and dedication are the legs of which your treasured legacy will forever stand in Dade County police history. Not just the past, but presently and throughout the future. You carried the torch with honor and valor, now it has been passed on to other officers with the same class and reverence you maintained during your life and in your professional career. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2014

Almighty God, who are mother and father to us all, look upon Your planet Earth divided. Help us to know that we are all your children; that all nations belong to one great family and all of our religions lead to you. Multiply our prayers in every land, until the whole Earth becomes Your congregation, united in Your love. Sustain our vision of a peaceful future and give us strength to work unceasingly to make that vision real. Amen. God, You gave us many superior brave men and women. One of these very fine police officers was Officer William C. Cook, of the Metro-Dade Police Department of Miami, Florida. To measure your heart, your compassion, your honesty, dignity and integrity, Officer Cook, where need not look farther, only into the heavens above where your cherished soul my neighbor, friend and hero, rests in peace. You were the beacon of light that helped to dispel the darkness of evil. You were that humble and loving servant and protector who brought grace and valor, peace, freedom and unity to a nation and a community, not only by your career that you performed excellently, but in your life, one led by example and of a charismatic upbringing by two wonderfully loving and honorable parents. One day real soon we pray that your sacrifice on May 16, 1979, will finally unify this world bringing an everlasting peace where no more wars or bloodshed will occur. This is the vision and the strength, Officer Cook, that has allowed us to live and prosper. Heroes and heroines all who made the ultimate sacrifice to give us at least the hope we need to continue on.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2014

Brothers of the sea, look at the stars, look at the deep blue and set the world free. Our right is to live and to be free. Freedom will not come from outside. It is only in ourselves united. United we stand and united we fall. We shall be one. Officer Cook, of course it's sad that I never met you or your parents personally, but from everything that I have read about you and heard from Justin and Gina speaks volumes. Such a wonderful gentleman, literally and professionally, your ventures into the Dade County neighborhood to restore vitality, peace and unity only tap into what you represented to all citizens. A man or woman's sacrifice as brave and valiant as you performed spoke humbly and simply of your life and career honored by integrity and dignity that can be unmatched by any ordinary person. You were a warm and soft spoken human being who too had rights that were taken by a troubled young man. Maybe somewhat difficult for those of us to comprehend. Outstanding and stellar character that precedes your legacy for others to carry on. Carry on we must. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Those words on your gravestone speak lovingly and thoughtfully of your humanity to all mankind.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2014

From that which we fear, make us fearless. O bounteous One, assist us with Your aid. May the atmosphere we breathe breathe fearlessness into us, fearlessness on earth and fearlessness in heaven! May fearlessness surround us above and below! May we be without fear by night and by day! Let all the world be my friend! Indeed, Officer Cook, you were our consummate police officer, a friend to all with a charming personality and a sense of humor engaging to all. You carried out your official duties as well as any police officer. Faithful, honest, dignified with all of the integrity that any brave and courageous officer needs to push on in this war against wickedness. Society and our communities scream out for it. On May 16, 1979, Dade County cried out for help in the Liberty City area and you and your partner that day, Reserve Officer Scott Lincoln were there to lend a helping hand to your comrades and to those civilians whose lives were endangered. Your actions were outstanding and humanely speaking probably saved countless other lives. Your sacrifice will always be appreciated and thought of in the highest regard. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Our brightest star, Officer Cook, fearless and faithful illuminating the whole world with your treasured soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 27, 2014

It is up to us to receive and transmit God's word. It is up to us to see that the world still stands. May the time not be distant when nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. They shall beat their swords into plowshares, for the earth will be filled with the wonder of life. then shall we sit under our vine and our fig tree and none shall make them afraid. You were a fearless and a quite faithful police officer, Officer Cook, one who did not pound his chest, nor boost, you let your performances speak for themselves. Your colleagues knew had their backs and they had yours. You'll be forever thought of as one of Dade County's heroes who delivered honest and true grit each and every watch. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The weapons of evil should one day be placed down for good and you'll be the reason, your sacrifice, Officer Cook and what you meant to all will have surely been felt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2014

Let trees grow by the billions around the world. Let green life invade the deserts. Let industry serve humanity and produce waste that serves nature. You served and protected all mankind, Officer Cook, with all the energy that any public servant needs to persevere and get the job finished with a positive outlook and sense or feeling of accomplishment. Let technology respect the holiness of Mother Earth. No doubt about the respect you afforded all persons, Officer Cook, your upbeat character, your courage, bravery and dignity endeared you to all. Let those who control the mass media contribute to create mutual understanding, contribute to create optimism and confidence. You led your life and career by example, Officer Cook, it was your engaging persona that allowed you the opportunity to lead others and to show them the ropes of your profession. Let ordinary people meet by the millions across the borders. Let them create a universal network of love and friendship. You served, Officer Cook, the rainbows of peace, freedom and unity were spread far wide because of your humbleness. I just read something, Officer Cook, sadly the Auxiliary Bishop who offered the eulogy at your Inspector's Funeral, John Joseph Nevins, passed away in August after an illness. The words he delivered had to have a chilling and left a most profound affect on those who honored your life and career. Allow the flocks of people to create a good future for their children and grandchildren. Let us survive in peace and in harmony with Mother Earth. I know you and Karen would have made very devoted and loving parents and grandparents. You both were dedicated to serving people in health and in safety. The world has lost one terrific ambassador to humanity and to all the good it represents. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2014

Let there be peace, welfare and righteousness in every part of the world. You were our police savior and staunch defender, Officer Cook. Let confidence and friendship prevail for the good of east and west, for the good of the needy south, for the good of all humanity. for all people you served with distinction, Officer Cook. Let the people inspire their leaders, helping them to seek peace by peaceful means, helping them and urging them, you were a masterful and mature motivator, Officer Cook, you helped bring delight and balance into this world, building better relationships for all, a place called home, a world with food and employment for all, physical freedom and the right to worship as the people choose. Let everyone who has the financial capacity give according to their hearts to assist others. You and Karen gave. Your selfless compassion was used to help the good of citizens. Police officers have certain powers, it's those brave souls who harness and channel it properly, to engage and develop peaceful and effective means of communication. You were a calming and soothing speaker, Officer Cook, that was why you were driven to succeed. You knew when you needed to use your weapon and when not to. An outdoor lover, you maintained an admiration and mutual respect for Mother Nature and all Her children. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, keeping watch over those who have taken your spot as our savior and protector. Let them not go astray. Assist God as He attempts to help others to live prosper and be healthy to do so. You will always be well thought of and I'll keep you, Mrs. Cook, in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2014

We call upon the earth, our planet home, with its beautiful depths and soaring heights, its vitality and abundance of life and together we ask that it: Teach us and show the way. You taught us so many lessons, Officer Cook, you called North Miami Beach, Florida home where you grew up and several miles south for capably and ably performing you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero near a tall tree. We call upon the mountains, the Cascades and the Olympics, the high green valleys and meadows filled with wild flowers, the snows that never melt, the summits of intense silence and we ask that they: Teach us and show us the way. Too much silence since your very untimely passing, Officer Cook. Winter is soon upon us and your sixty-first birthday will soon be approaching. Hard to fathom so many years later. We call upon the waters that rim the earth, horizon to horizon, that flow in our rivers and streams, that fall upon our gardens and fields and we ask that they: Teach us and show us the way. for one who spent many happy days outdoors, Officer Cook, watering your lawn was one way to nurture that which God provided us. We call upon the land which grows our food, nurtures the soil, the fertile fields, many gardens and orchards, the vast forestry, the great trees with earth packed in their roots. We ask that they teach us and show us the way. Your camera was taking the most beautifully crisp pictures of modern nature, it was your way to relax, Officer Cook. The creatures of the fields, all the animals, show us the way. We call upon all those who have lived on this earth, our ancestors, our friends, who dreamed the best for all future generations and upon whose lives our lives are built and with thanksgiving, we call upon them. We are grateful for your courage, bravery and savvy, Officer Cook. Finally, we call upon them, all that we hold sacred, the presence and the power of the Great Spirit who assisted you, Officer Cook, in serving and protecting Dade County citizens for six faithfully devoted and loyal years and for living twenty-five accomplished and humble years. The love and truth so valued that flows from this universe...to be with us to: Teach us and show us the way. You were a pioneer, Officer Cook, your achievements have paved the way for all future officers. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 25, 2014

I have come to terms with the future. From this day onward I will walk easy on the earth. Plant trees. Kill no living things. Live in harmony with all creatures. I will restore the earth where I am. Use no more of its resources than I need. And listen, listen to what it is telling me. You listened to your parents, Officer Cook, they never let you down. Of course, it's a person's upbringing that can lead them to success in all their endeavors. In that regard, you were not very different from all others. Once you decided to become a Metro-Dade Police Officer, through diligence and arduous study and training did you develop into a top notch police officer. Able to lead others because of your vast wisdom, maturity and integrity, this is why you were a hero born to conquer evil. You carried out your tasks very skillfully and with bravery and grace and as humanely as you could. You'll always be fondly remembered as your humble legacy stands tall. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You still stand tall as one of God's humble and loyal angels.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 24, 2014

To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable and wealthy not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, women and sages, with open hearts, to bear it all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never-in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony. It all started as a young man for you, Officer Cook and now I can see how proudly you beat those drums through the hallways at Norland High School here in Miami Florida. Your accomplishments on behalf of everyone were done the modest and proper way affording, honesty, dignity and integrity to all. So now we can look proudly although somewhat sadly to the great heavens above where you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero and where your loving soul can travel wherever God deems it necessary. You lived humbly, toiled greatly and provided a very happy life for both you and Karen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 24, 2014

Let the trees be consulted before you take any action every time you breath in thank a tree. Let treeroots crack parking lots at the world bank headquarters. Let loggers be druids specially trained and rewarded. To sacrifice trees at auspicious times. Let carpenters be master artisans. Let lumber be treasured like gold. Let chainsaws by played like saxophones. Let soldiers on maneuvers plant trees. Give police and people looking to mend their ways a shovel and a thousand seedlings. Let businessmen carry pocketful of acorns. Let newlyweds honeymoon in the woods. walk don't drive. Stop reading newspapers, stop writing poetry. Squat under a tree and tell stories. Boy oh boy do we all wish we could do that now with you, Officer Cook. We civilians don't know how good we had it when you were out on patrol, serving and protecting our very lives with honor, bravery, compassion and loving affection for a community where you were admired and revered. You probably would be on a vacation with Karen somewhere on an island with only the comforts of each other. And you both cared for people, people persons. Nurses and police all have some uniformly similar characteristics that set them apart from most professions. Dedication and precision can take a person a long way down the line to success. You my neighbor, friend and hero will never ever be relegated to the back pages of some book of police heroes and heroines. You always humbly stood front and center. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 23, 2014

A little too abstract, a little too wise, it is time for us to kiss the earth again, it is time to let the leaves rain from the skies. Let the rich life run to the roots again. I will go down to the lovely rivers and dip my arms in them up to the shoulders. I will find my accounting where the alder leaf quivers, in the ocean wind over the river boulders. I will touch things and things and no more thoughts. That breed like mouthless May-flies darkening the sky. The insect clouds that blend our passionate hawks, so that they cannot strike, hardly can fly. Things are the hawk's food and noble is the mountain, Oh noble, by the steep sea-waves of marble. Your superior service to Dade County and all its residents, Officer Cook was one born of nobility, integrity and honor, so now God has called you home to patrol your beat on His golden streets where you have been joined by other brave, courageous and valiant comrades. God makes an accounting of all His creatures and yours was and does remain par excellence. May flies, it surely does and when it arrives sad as it may be, we remember your wonderfully engaging life and a most passionate and promising career cut way too short because of a troubled man's wanton violence against police and society in general. We are here and I'm sure your loving family can't wait to embrace you in their arms again. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. No more darkness or despair, only the brightness of your very cherished soul.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 23, 2014

Grant me the ability to be alone; may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grasses, among all growing things and there may I be alone and enter into prayer to talk with the one that I belong to. You belonged to this world for twenty-five humble and most fulfilling years of honest, dignified service to all mankind, Officer Cook. You relished your time outdoors, snapping off picture after picture of God's greatest creations. A man with a keen sense of awareness and a humanely confident manner in all your self convictions. The citizens always sensed your likeability and knew they were certain to be protected and served with determination, dedication and devotion, from one of Dade County's truly brave, courageous and valiant police officers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, keep taking those most beautiful pictures of eternity where for having served proudly, you can now keep watch over God's golden streets walking a beat where no harm will ever come your way. You deserved to still be here, I just cannot get the what ifs, the could, should or would out of my mind. I know you were not going to ignore that call or any that you were dispatched to. Your impetus for performing with integrity leaves a stellar legacy of good work for all to remember and to cherish those wonderfully insightful memories for all to share. The world shares in all of its loyal and faithful servants in whom we place a great onus upon. They all deserved a better fate. God calls His truly humble servants to serve a most important mission for Him.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 22, 2014

First you must love your body, in games in wild places, in bodies of others, then you must enter the world of men and learn all worldly ways. You must sicken. You must return to your Mother and notice how quiet the house is. Then return to the world that is not man, that you may finally walk in the world of man, speaking. Your entire body, your engaging manner endeared you to so many, Officer Cook and it was the making of one truly fine public servant who was one of Dade County's most honest and dignified law enforcement professionals. We who walk and toil in God's ways could surely learn a thing or two from you and your humbleness. The thoughts of you not being here with us all these years still leave us sick to death and for those who loved you, quite lonely. One day we shall meet and greet you again and this will make us more joyful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, keep embracing us with your spirit that continues its heavenly journey lighting up the darkness that still causes despair in our society.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 22, 2014

Tired of all who come with words, words with no language. I went to the snow-covered island. The wild does not have words. The unwritten pages spread themselves out in all directions! I come across the marks of roe-deers hooves in the snow. Language but no words. Police officers all try to convey this very special message and it needs no decoding. They speak from one heart, sincere, loyal, honest and caring. You spoke the language that all Dade County residents wanted to hear, Officer Cook. it was not just freeze and drop your weapon. You spoke it on May 16, 1979, tragically it did not penetrate that troubled young man's ears. Your words came from your upbringing, your diligent training, your soothing and calming demeanor came from your inner being and for the most part it served and protected not only the citizens, it protected you. A completely righteous gentleman who was just performing a profession that you wanted to become from the time of your youth. Your soul as it rests in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, now spreads itself out over God's entire universe. The unwritten pages are a constant reminder to all of us that your life and career were indeed still not finished and you are missed by all who treasured, cherished and most of all loved and respected you. Your legacy, Officer Cook will never have a real conclusion, for we know it continues until the day we all will see you once again.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2014

When despair in the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound, in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water and the great heron feeds. I come into the place of wild things, who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the peace of the world and am free. Despair and gloom overtook us when you were taken from our midst, Officer Cook. It was your genuinely kind disposition, honesty and valor that has so validated your presence among the brave, courageous and dignified souls. Now your mission as you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero is to continue lighting up the world with eternal hopes of freedom, peace and unity for all one day real soon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2014

I swear the earth shall surely be complete to him or her who shall be complete. The earth remains jagged and broken only to him or her who remains jagged and broken. I swear there is no greatness or power that does not emulate those of the earth. There can be no theory or account unless it can corroborate the theory of the earth. No politics, song, religion, behavior or what not, is of account, unless it can compare with the amplitude of the earth. Unless it can face the exactness, vitality, impartiality or rectitude of the earth. We affirm you were one excellent police officer, Officer Cook, passionate and yet with a calming influence that made people fell comfortable. We can conclude you did all things by the letter of the law with a sterling self-confidence and a matching maturity of one who could advise and steer other officers. Maintaining self-respect and a devotion to dignity were many of your humble and humane traits. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Nothing jaded nor jagged with your professional feats. Only solid first class service to all who sought you out for anything that would enhance their lives and raise their self-esteem.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2014

Blessed sister, holy mother, spirit of the fountain, spirit of the garden, suffer us not to mock ourselves with falsehood. Teach us to care, teach us to sit still. Even among these rocks, our peace in His will and even among these rocks, sister, mother and spirit of the river and spirit of the sea, suffer me not to be separated and let my cry come unto Thee. Your parents, Officer Cook and your loving sister, Nancy, made sure you were supported in all your endeavors. They gave you the love and respect you gave to them knew you would turn out alright. Your commitment to serve and to protect all Dade County citizens was born out of honor, dignity and integrity. It assisted you by leaps and bounds to be able to solemnly carry out your duties. No one will ever forget this. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. You taught us all the grand lesson, this was not to sit still, but to make it happen. It took rock solid leadership and a maturity beyond to years to keep the peace and unity so necessary to a community which respected and cherished you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 20, 2014

My help is in the mountain where I take myself to heal the earthly wounds that people give to me. I find a rock with sun on it and a stream where the water runs gentle. And the trees which one by one give me company, so I must stay for a long time, until I have grown from the rock. And the stream is running through me and I cannot tell myself from one tall tree. Then I know that nothing touches me. Nor makes me run away. My help is in the mountain that I take away with me. Earth cure me. Earth receive my woe. Rock strengthen me. Rock receive my weakness. Rain wash my sadness away. rain receive my doubt. Sun make sweet my song. Sun receive the anger from my heart. Because of your virtuous and humble duty, Officer Cook, any hostility we still hold inside should be taken from us. We can look back on the happy times of your life and career, though cut too short because of violence perpetrated against you, your family and the entire police community as we know it. You personified what it means to be a hero and to champion its causes in honor, dignity and integrity. The humbleness of your upbringing and the career you worked valiantly at to be the best, serves as our inspiration for generations to come. It shines as brightly as the badge you were proudly on your chest and now as your soul brightens up the darkest of skies. One great man who lived his dream to be a success. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 19, 2014

Let us think of Mother Earth, her rich bounty that will result from springtime, the golden corn and the seeds of harvest, all grown strong from Mother Earth, the spring rains and the energy of Father Sky. it is time to consider healing: healing of ourselves, healing of a loved one, healing of adversaries for peace among nations and healing of the harms done to Mother Earth. Oh, Great Spirit, I pray for myself in order that I may be healed. I pray for my close friend who is sick and needs help Oh, Great Spirit. I pray for this world that atomic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction will be obliterated that we point toward one another. I pray all adversaries will communicate and all mistrust will be healed. I pray for the environment. I pray for its cleansing and the renewal of our Mother Earth. We all pray on your behalf, Officer Cook, that you may rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. A hero to all. Adversity was something you and all other police officers had to deal with on a daily manner. and you did so with honorable intentions, dignity and integrity in the face of evil to help the seeds of goodwill sprout. And they surely did. Let us really focus and pray that no more harm comes to anyone, particularly any of our brave, courageous and valiant men and women of the law enforcement profession.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 19, 2014

Grandfather, look at our brokenness. We know that in all creation only the human family has strayed from the sacred way. We know that we are the ones who are divided and we are the ones who must come back together to walk the sacred way. Grandfather, sacred one, teach us love, compassion and honor. That we may heal the earth and each other. If you knew your grandparents, Officer Cook, it is easy to see where your excellent traits came from. Your parents and their parents raised very fine children who turned out to become successful in all their endeavors. For all your achievements and for making Dade County because of your honorable commitment, may you rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. May God's humility shine down forever on your loving and beautiful family. Just remember, Mrs. Cook, you and your husband raised two beautiful children who you could be very proud of. Your son will not be forgotten by me or my family. He put his life on the line to enhance his community and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers along with your husband may he too rest in peace together with his wonderfully brave son.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 18, 2014

We join the earth and with each other. To bring new life to the land. To restore the waters. To refresh the air. To renew the forests. To care for the plants. To protect creatures. To celebrate the seas. To rejoice in the sunlight. To sing the song of the stars. To recreate the human community. To promote peace and justice. To remember our children. We join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving memory for the healing of the earth and the renewal of all life. Yes, we join together. We came together as one nation to honor the memories of all honorable and dignified police officers, Officer Cook, you were one of these many brave, courageous and valiant heroes and heroines who sacrificed for our benefit. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. The darkness of evil today will be replenished with plenty of sunlight tomorrow.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 18, 2014

Let us be united, let us speak in harmony, let our minds apprehend alike. Common be our prayer, common be the end of our assembly, common be our resolution, common be our deliberations. Alike be our feelings, unified be our hearts, common be our intentions, perfect be our unity. As those words on your gravestone say: "We Shall Be One." Yes, Officer Cook, you were of sound mind and body who went out to patrol the streets of Dade County in an effort to bring sanity to a community that was suffering from unrest, tension, escalations of violence, persistent pain from evil that lied in wake to ratchet up its ugliness. Your commonsense approaches, Officer Cook, your honor, dignity and integrity served to inspire those citizens who admired and respected you and where and you enjoyed your watch over them. We pray that one day violence will be gone, innocent bloodshed will cease and baseless hatred will stay grounded. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero. Your soul, Officer Cook, hovers high above looking down on those who persist in this battle and who do it like you did it, with valor, courage and bravery.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2014

We who have lost our sense and our senses-our touch, our smell, our vision of who we are, we who frantically force and press all things, without rest for body or spirit, hurting our earth and injuring ourselves, we call a halt. We want to rest. We need to rest and allow the earth to rest. We need to reflect and to rediscover the mystery that lives in us, that is the ground of every unique expression of life, the source of the fascination that calls all things to communion. We declare a Sabbath, a space of quiet for simply being and letting be, for recovering the great, forgotten truths, for learning how to live again. Unfortunately, violence has caused this society to lose its perspective as to why we have marvelously brave and courageous men and women such as yourself, Officer Cook, who serve, protect and allow us to live peacefully and in unity. This perspective needs to be reinforced and your sacrifice drives this point home. You were God's humbly loyal and devoted servant who was undaunted, unafraid to face reality that police officers have to look at daily. you won't be forgotten as God has called you home to rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero with those brave comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice to make this world a better to succeed.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2014