Shabbat Shalom!

I had meant to post this prayer last Shabbat but was unable to schedule it. So, I;m making sure to schedule well ahead of time this week. We've been saying this prayer during Kabbalat Shabbat services since Operation Cast Lead began.

May the One who blessed our Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and our Matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless the State of Israel. May His sovereignty be revealed upon the Land that He swore to our ancestors to give to us.

Dear God, extend Your mercy on the leaders of the State. May they be worthy to build and establish her eternally in law and righteousness. Place the spirit of unity and love of our fellow Jews in their hearts and ours, wherever we may live, and together may we be dedicated to Your will with a full heart.

Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, protect the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces. Save them from all trouble and distress and bless them with success in all their tasks. May they go in peace and return to their homes and loved ones with the blessings of life and peace.

Divine Parent in heaven, grant peace to the land and everlasting joy to all her inhabitants. As the Prophet Jeremiah said (Jer. 30:10)"And the people of Jacob shall be tranquil and calm with none to trouble them."

Manifest for us speedily in our time, that which is written in Scripture (Micah 4:4): "Every man shall sit under his grapevine or fig tree with no one to disturb him."

Spread your shelter of peace over all who dwell upon Your Earth and may this be Your will and we say, Amen.

Hebrew text, written by Rabbi Simchah Roth, reprinted with permission from Siddur Va'ani Tefilati, published by The Rabbinical Assembly of Israel and The Masorti Movement, 1998, page 373. English translation by Rabbi Eric M. Lankin, D.Min.