Prayer for the Captives
We pray on this night to God, who we call Podeh u’Matzil, the One who rescues and saves, who redeems and protects. Guide our loved ones home. Teach us the tools to Rescue and Save, to Redeem and Protect.
Strengthen, God, the hearts of those kidnapped, to help them hold on and be brave through this ordeal, to know resilience and hope through it all, to feel in their bones that they will not be abandoned.
Soften, God, the hearts of their captors to see humanity in themselves and in those they have taken from their homes, that they may release them soon and in good health.
And focus, God, the hearts of the soldiers and officials who will themselves enact the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim. Make them wise and clearsighted and ready them for this task in which they will act while holding all of Israel’s heart in their hands.
Ana Adonai Hoshianah. Ana Adonai Hatzlichana. May the ancient words in our scrolls amplify our voices as we cry out for the safe return of our people. We pray for the peace of Israel and for the safety of all innocent lives in danger on this night.
—By Rabbi Mishael Zion
Prayer in a Time of Struggle
Our God, we pray for the peace, security, and vision of the State of Israel and its people.
Spread blessing upon the Land and upon all who labor in its interest.
Protect the people of Israel during this time of hate, war, and terrorism.
Protect the innocent among the Palestinian people, that they may be safe and free from death and injury.
Inspire Israel’s leaders to both defend our people and follow the ways of righteousness and compassion.
Remove from the hearts of our people fear, hatred, malice, strife, and vengeance.
May the ancient hope of Zion inspire in us to strive towards Israel’s founding ideals of equity and embrace of all her inhabitants.
May we raise our eyes towards a future in which everyone in the region, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, and nationality, have the capacity to live in safety and with opportunity.
May we be beacons of hope, standing in solidarity with generations of Jewish people striving for a world of justice, compassion, and peace.
As we say together: Amen.
