Prayer for Israel

 Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow

 

May 21-22, 2021 / 11 Sivan 5781

Shabbat Naso

Torah: Numbers 4:21 - 7:89 / Haftarah: Judges 13:2 - 25

 

“Prayer for Israel”

 

Dear Friends,

 

As violence and fighting breaks out in Israel, I offer you the prayer for the state of Israel.  It calls for peace and security for Israel and her neighbors. It calls for Israel’s independence as a free nation in its ancient homeland. It calls for honorable, compassionate, and just leadership.  It calls for the life and safety of those who protect Israel.  I encourage you to read it this shabbat.

 

Rock and champion of Israel, please bless the state of Israel, first fruit of the flourishing of our redemption.  Guard it in the abundance of your love.  Spread over it the shelter of your peace.  Send forth your light and truth to those who lead and judge it, and to those who hold elective office.  Establish in them through your presence, wise counsel, that they might walk in the way of justice, freedom, and integrity.  Strengthen the hands of those who guard our holy land.  Let them inherit salvation and life.  And give peace to the land, and perpetual joy to its inhabitants.  Appoint for a blessing all our kindred of the house of Israel in all the lands of their dispersion.  Plant in their hearts a love of Zion.  And for all our people everywhere, may God be with them, and may they have the opportunity to go up to the land.  Cause your spirit’s influence to emanate upon all dwellers of our holy land.  Remove from their midst hatred and enmity, jealousy and wickedness.  Plant in their hears love and kinship, peace, and friendship.  And soon fulfill the vision of your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation.  Let them learn no longer ways of war.”

And let us say: Amen.

 

 

L’Shalom (In Peace),

 

Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow