Aharon N. Varady (transcription) • the Open Siddur Project ✍ פְּרוֺיֶקְט הַסִּדּוּר הַפָּתוּחַ

📃 Rabbi Yosef vs. the Sorceror, a tale of a miraculous rescue on erev Yom Kippur retold by Rabbi Yehudah heḤasid in RSL Ms. Guenzburg 82 (ca. 12th c.)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:14:03 +0000

I found the story in the [Russian State Library] Guenzburg ms. 82…in a commentary on the Pentateuch by Rabbi Judah the Pious of Regensburg that was written from memory after Rabbi Judah’s death (1217) by his son. The story, therefore, was known as early as the first years of the thirteenth century, and possibly at the end of the twelft, as there is no reason to believe that Rabbi Judah was its author; he most probably received from an earlier twelfth-century source, either written or oral.

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
”מכשפה לא תחיה“ (שמות כב:יז), ”כל שוכב עם בהמה“ (שמות כב:יח).	“You shall not suffer a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:17), “Whoever lies with a (tame/domesticated) animal shall surely be put to death” (Exodus 22:18).
מעשה היה במכשף אחד, כשראה יהודיות יפות ביום הכיפורים היה מכשפן ומהפכן לאתונות, ומביאן לתוך ביתו, ובלילה מהפכן לנשים ושוכב עמהן.	Once there was a sorcerer who, whenever he saw beautiful Jewish girls on Yom haKippurim, would turn them into jennies^[1] female donkeys and bring them to his home. At night, he would restore them to womanhood and sleep with them.
היה אחד בעל שמות ושמו ר׳ יוסף, והיה מאותו העיר מהלך שלשה חדשים. שלחו אחריו אדם חסיד וסיפר לו כל המאורע. אמ׳ לו: שב אתי עד יום הכיפורים. התחיל אותו אדם לבכות. אמ״ל ר׳ יוסף: מה מזיק לך, למה תבכה? אמ׳ ליה: יתגנבו הנשים היפות.	There was a master of the Holy Names^[2] Joseph Dan notes that this story “is probably one of the earliest places in European Hebrew literature” where the term בעל שמות is used. whose name was Rabbi Yosef. He lived at a distance of three months’ journey from the sorcerer’s town. The townspeople sent a pious man to tell him what was happening in their town. Rabbi Yosef told him: “Stay with me till Yom haKippurim.” The pious man, upon hearing this, began to cry. Rabbi Yosef asked him: “What is bothering you! Why are you crying?” The Jew answered: “The beautiful girls will be kidnapped again.”^[3] The distance of Rabbi Yosef from the sorceror here implies, I think, a magical act of qefitsat ha-derekh (lit. “jumping/forshortening the road”) was involved in shortening the length of travel for the needed intervention –ANV.
הכניסו לבית המרחץ ורחצו שניהם וכן כולן (?), ובשעה קלו באו למקום שהיה שם מכשף.	When Yom haKippurim arrived, Rabbi Yosef brought him to the public baths, and very soon they came to the place where the sorcerer was.
אמ׳ ר׳ יוסף: אמ׳ מי גנבם, אמרו: אין אנו יודעין מה היה להם. הזכיר השם, בא ועמד על פתח המכשף. קרא לו, והציץ המכשף והשם ראשו בעד החלון. הזכיר השם, ונמתחו הכתלים שסביב צוארו עד שרצו לחנקו. א״ל המכשף, התירני ואומ׳ לך מה עשיתי. א״ל: ביום שילכו בנות ישר׳ היפות יחיפות בלא מנעלים ומקושטות הייתי מכשפן לאתונות, ובלילה הייתי מכשפן לכמות שהיו. א״ל ר׳ יוסף: אנה המשקה ואנה בנות ישר׳? א״ל: במקום פלוני.	Rabbi Yosef asked the people: “Who stole the girls” They answered: “We don’t know anything, we don’t know what happened to them.” So Rabbi Yosef pronounced a Holy Name, and came and stood at the front door of the sorcerer’s house. Rabbi Yosef then called for the sorcerer, who looked out and put his head out of the window. Rabbi Yosef pronounced a Holy Name, and the walls of the house stretched and closed around the sorcerer’s head, almost choking him. The sorcerer then said to Rabbi Yosef: “If you loosen the walls around my head, I shall tell you what I did to the women.” Rabbi Yosef did so, and the sorcerer told him: “On Yom haKippurim, when the beautiful daughters of Israel walked with bare feet and wore beautiful clothes, I would turn them into jennies by magic, and later, at night, return them to their original shape.” Rabbi Yosef then asked: “Where is the magical potion [you used] and where are the girls?” The sorcerer answered: “At such and such a place.”
והוציא את המשקה ואת בנות ישר׳ והזכיר השם ונדבקו הכתלים ונפל הראש לרשות הרבים.	So Rabbi Yosef extracted the potion and the girls [from that place], and then he pronounced another Holy Name, and the walls closed, and the sorcerer’s head fell into the street.
ובא ר׳ יוסף זצ״ל לבית הכנסת ואמ׳: פתחו לי שערי ארון הקודש. פתחו לו והלך ועמד בארון וסגר בעדו, ואחר כך פתחו ולא מצאוהו, כי פרח למקומו.	Rabbi Yosef, blessed be his memory, came then to the synagogue, and said: “Open the doors of the Holy Ark for me.” The people opened the doors, and he went and stood inside the Ark and closed the doors behind him. Later, the people opened the doors and failed to find him there, for he had flown back to his place.^[4] A detail of the procedure used for the qefitsat haderekh, which presages C.S. Lewis’s wardrobe portal to Narnia by about 800 years.
הרי למדת שעל ידי כישוף אדם שוכב עם בהמה ועם נשים, לכך סמך ”כי יפתה“ (שמות כב:טו) סמוך ”מכשפה“ (שמות כב:יז) ו”כל שוכב עם בהמה“ (שמות כב:יח).	By this story you have learned that magic enables a man to sleep with (tame/domesticated) animals and with women, and that is the reason that the Holy Scripture put the verses “And if a man entice a virgin that is not betrothed and lie with her” (Exodus 22:15), “You shall not suffer a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:17), and “Whoever lies with a (tame/domesticated) animal” (Exodus 22:18) close to each other.

This is an early wizard battle tale found in RSL Ms. Guenzburg 82, fol. 78b-79a, first transcribed by Joseph Dan in his article סיפורים דימונולוגיים מכתבי יהודה החסיד (“Demonological stories from the writings of Yehudah he-Ḥasid”) and published in Tarbits (vol. 30, 1961), as story #29 on pp. 288-289. The English translation by Dan, was re-printed in chapter 15 of Jewish Mysticism vol. 2: The Middle Ages, pp. 359-360, and first published in “An Early Source of the Yiddish Akdamot Story,” in Hebrew University Studies in Literature, vol. 1 (1993), pp. 39-46. I’ve slightly modified Dr. Dan’s translation in places, replacing “asses” with “jennies” for itanot (female donkeys), “broth” with “potion” for mashqeh, and re-hebraicizing popular names.

Source(s)

RSL Ms. Guenzburg 82 fol. 78b-79a

Notes

Notes
1	female donkeys
2	Joseph Dan notes that this story “is probably one of the earliest places in European Hebrew literature” where the term בעל שמות is used.
3	The distance of Rabbi Yosef from the sorceror here implies, I think, a magical act of qefitsat ha-derekh (lit. “jumping/forshortening the road”) was involved in shortening the length of travel for the needed intervention –ANV.
4	A detail of the procedure used for the qefitsat haderekh, which presages C.S. Lewis’s wardrobe portal to Narnia by about 800 years.

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Peter Stein on 30 April 2026

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:44:55 +0000

Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Peter Stein, Temple B’rith Ḳodesh, Rochester, NY
Date of Prayer: 30 April 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Joseph Morelle (NY-25)

I rise today with gratitude for the opportunity to welcome Rabbi Peter Stein as our guest chaplain.

One of the privileges of our role in Congress is to introduce spiritual leaders from across the country who reflect the depth and diversity of faith in America. This tradition is more than ceremonial. It is a living expression of one of our most fundamental freedoms—the freedom to worship, to lead, and to serve according to one’s faith.

Rabbi Stein embodies that calling. As the senior rabbi of Temple B’rith Kodesh, he has devoted decades to guiding his congregation with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice. He has built bridges across faiths, worked to confront division and polarization, and reminded us that even in disagreement, there is a responsibility to listen, to learn, and to treat one another with dignity.

Rabbi Stein, we are honored by your presence today, grateful for your leadership, and thankful for the example you set.

May your words continue to guide us in the work ahead.

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Source of blessing, I pray that today will bring us closer to a world of justice and peace.
	God, watch over the members of this Congress.
	May you be blessed with wisdom and courage. May your debates and decisions create safety and success, dignity, and opportunity for all who call our country home. Lead them with a spirit of discernment, humanity, and restraint. Guide them with a commitment to the common good.
	I pray for your loved ones that they remain safe and you remain in their nourishing embrace.
	As you do your work on Capitol Hill, may your leadership stand on the values of compassion and respect, making this place a beacon of light that extends from sea to shining sea. May you remain steadfast in the pursuit of the vision of a nation of liberty and justice for all, a home for all who yearn to breathe free. Amen.

This prayer by Rabbi Peter Stein was offered while serving as guest chaplain before the 119th Congress, 2nd Session of the US House of Representatives on 30 April 2026.

Recordings

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. Senate: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman on 10 September 2025

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:04:23 +0000

Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, Yeshiva University, New York City, NY
Date of Prayer: 10 September 2025
Sponsor: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, it is my honor to introduce Rabbi Berman, who just gave the prayer and who is president of the Yeshiva University. Thank you for your blessing this morning.

In his prayer, Rabbi Berman reminded us that America’s strength lies not just in power but purpose; not just in might but in our pursuit of the good. He has lived that principle. He is a global faith leader, distinguished scholar, educational visionary who is shaping contemporary discourse at the intersection of faith, ethics, and higher education.

As the fifth president of the Yeshiva University, he has redefined the role of faith-based universities in the United States. He gave the benediction at President Trump’s inauguration.

Yeshiva University, for more than a century, has been contributing to the common good and advancing the goals of faith with purpose. It is one of the flagship universities in the entire world for the Jewish faith, and he has brought his aperture there to bring us all together.

Finally, I want to recognize the need to succor. You said: Why are we here? I am here because Anita said I needed to be here to recognize Rabbi Berman. Anita is a fellow South Carolinian. She is a trustee at Yeshiva University, and she has contributed to our State, to the values that serve us in education, that bind us together. Anita called me about you and she was dead right.

Welcome and well done. God bless you.

I yield the floor.

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Almighty God, bless our chosen leaders, these devoted Senators, with values and vision to guide America toward its purpose: born in liberty, driven by service, called to greatness.
	Our merciful Father, there is a hunger in this land, not for power but for purpose; not to take but to give. We are seekers, Lord, yearning for meaning. We all ask ourselves: Why am I here? What is my purpose?
	Guide us, Lord, with a clarity to hear Your call and the courage to live our answer.
	As with King David of old, renew within our Senators the heart and spirit to unite our Nation to rise to this moment, to seize this great awakening so that we each can reach our most noble selves.
	May this upcoming Jewish New Year bring prosperity to our neighbors and our Nation, peace to Israel and to all places torn by war; freedom for the hostages and all who are held in captivity. May we each know the feeling of Your love and Your blessing.
	May this be Thy will. And let us say, Amen.

This prayer by Rabbi Dr. Berman was offered while serving as guest chaplain before the 119th Congress, 1st Session of the US Senate on 10 September 2025. The prayer was published in the Congressional Record, v.171, n.148 (Wednesday, September 10, 2025), Senate, page S6511.

Recordings

Source(s)

תְּפִלָּה לְיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן וְיוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת | A Prayer for Yom haZikaron and Yom ha-Atsma’ut 5785, by Rabbi Tzachi Lehman (Tzohar 2025)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:48:53 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
אֲבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם צוּר יִשְׂרָאֵל וְגוֹאֲלוֹ בָּאִים אָנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ בְּעַיִן דּוֹמַעַת וּבְלֵב שָׁבוּר – הַמַּאֲמִין בַּטּוֹב וּמְבַקֵּשׁ נֶחָמָה	Our father in Heaven, the Rock of Israel and our Redeemer. We come before you with tear-filled eyes and a broken heart, Yet believing in goodness and in search of comfort.
רִשְׁעֵי עוֹלָם פָּגְעוּ בָּנוּ. הָרְגוּ וְחֲטְפוּ נָשִׁים, גְּבָרִים וָטַף וְחִלְּלוּ צֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים.	The world’s evil forces have attacked us. They have murdered and taken captive men, women and children, And wholly disgraced the image of God.
וּכְנֶגְדָּם אֶזְרָחִים וְחַיָּלִים מַסְרוּ נַפְשָׁם וּבִגְבוּרָה, מַאֲמָץ וּנְחִישוּת יָצְאוּ לְמִלְחָמָה וְזָקְפוּ אֶת כְּבוֹד יִשְׂרָאֵל	And in contrast to their destruction and thirst for evil… Civilians and soldiers alike gave their lives. With bravery, heroism and ultimate dedication They went out to war. And upheld the honor of the land and people of Israel.
כְּאֵב וְגַאֲוָה מְצִיפִים אֶת לִבֵּנוּ כְּאֵב עַל הַמַּכּוֹת הַקָּשׁוֹת שֶׁסָּפַגְנוּ וְגַאֲוָה עַל הַגְּבוּרָה הָעִלָּאִית שֶׁרָאִינוּ	Our hearts are awash in both pain and pride: Pain for the horrific plagues we have endured. Yet pride for the tremendous heroism we have witnessed.
וּבְלֵב שָׁבוּר הַמַּאֲמִין בַּטּוֹב פּוֹרְסִים אָנוּ יָדֵינוּ לְפָנֶיךָ שֶׁתְּמַלֵּא אוֹתָנוּ וְאֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּתִקְוָה וּבְנֶחָמָה בְחַיִּים וּבְשָׁלוֹם	And with a broken heart; a heart that still believes in goodness We extend our hands towards You. That You should fill us and the entire world With comfort and hope. With life and with peace.
הָשֵׁב אֶת כׇּל חֲטוּפֵינוּ רַפֵּא אֶת כׇּל פְּצוּעֵינוּ הַגְבֵּר אֶת הָאַחְדוּת בֵּינֵנוּ וּפְקַח אֶת עֵינֵנוּ לִרְאוֹת אֶת כׇּל הַטּוֹב שֶׁיֵּשׁ	Return all of our hostages Heal all the wounded Strengthen the unity among us. And open our eyes to the immense good which surrounds us.
תֵּן לָנוּ כֹּחַ לְהִתְגַּבֵּר עַל הַכְּאֵב וְהַשְּׁכוֹל, לְסַיֵּעַ לְכׇל הַנִּצְרָכִים וּלְהַמְשִׁיךְ לִבְנוֹת וּלְשַׁכְלֵל אֶת מְדִינָתֵנוּ	Give us the strength to overcome the pain and loss, to assist all those in need and to continue to build and heal our beloved nation
וְיִתְקַיֵּם בָּנוּ מִקְרָא שֶׁכָּתוּב: ”קוּמִי אוֹרִי כִּי בָא אוֹרֵךְ וּכְבוֹד ה׳ עָלַיִךְ זָרָח“ (ישעיה ס:א). וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן	And may we fullfill that which is written: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of Hashem has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1). And we say Amen.

“A Prayer for Yom Hazikaron and Yom ha-Atsma’ut 5785” (2025) was prepared by Rabbi Tzachi Lehman in advance of the State of Israel’s days of remembrance and declaration of independence and published by Tzohar on its website on 23 April 2025. The prayer was the subject of an article in The Times of Israel on 30 April 2025, “As Israel shifts from sorrow to joy, rabbinic group offers new prayer for grieving nation.”

Source(s)

Prayer for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut 5785 (Tzohar and Tzachi Lehman 2025)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Pinchus Ciment on 27 March 2025

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:54:02 +0000

Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Pinchus Ciment, Chabad-Lubavitch of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas
Date of Prayer: 27 March 2025
Sponsor: Rep. French Hill (R-AR)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome today’s guest chaplain, my friend, Rabbi Pinchus Ciment.

Rabbi Ciment is the director of Chabad Lubavitch of Arkansas in Little Rock and is currently the longest serving rabbi in our State. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to Little Rock with his wife in 1992. Rabbi Ciment has lectured on matters in Judaism at several universities in Arkansas and has been a frequent author in the “Ask the Clergy” section of our statewide newspaper, the Arkansas Democrat–Gazette. He studied at the Rabbinical Seminary in Morristown, New Jersey, and the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York, receiving his rabbinical ordination in 1990. Rabbi Ciment is a devoted husband to Estie and a proud father of 10 children.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Ciment for delivering a beautiful opening prayer.

Mr. Speaker, I wish him, his family, and Chabad Lubavitch of Arkansas continued success in serving the central Arkansas community.

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Almighty God, I begin my prayer with an act of charitable kindness.^[1] Here, Rabbi Ciment places a folded up piece of US currency into a pushke for tsedaqah.
	Creator and master of His universe, After the biblical story of the great flood in which You spared Noaḥ and his family, You gave guidance and instructions through them to all of humanity. You taught how to lead a moral, ethical, and productive life in the form of seven guiding principles, also known as the Seven Noaḥide Laws.^[2] Sanhedrin 56a; cf. Tosefta Avodah Zarah 8:4 and Genesis Rabbah 34:8. Six items were commanded to Adam: concerning idolatry, blasphemy, bloodshed, illicit sexuality, theft, and laws…God added to Noah, the law of not eating from the flesh of a live animal.” (Maimonides, Laws of Kings 9:1). The impetus behind sharing the sheva mitsvot in the context of ḤaBaD Lubavitch originates with the following teaching of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson: “We must do everything possible to ensure that the seven Noahide laws are observed. If this can be accomplished through force or through other kinder and more peaceful means through explaining to non-Jews that they should accept God’s wishes [we should do so]…Anyone who is able to influence a non-Jew in any way to keep the seven commandments is obligated to do so, since that is what God commanded Moses our teacher,” (“Sheva Mitzvot Shel Benai Noach,” Hapardes 59:9 7-11, 5745).
	These laws are found in the Bible in the Book of Genesis and its sacred commentaries and include: To worship You, not to blaspheme Your name, not to commit murder, not to engage in illicit relationships, not to commit theft, not to be cruel to any living creature, and for every society to be governed by just laws that are based on the recognition and acknowledgment of You, O God, as the sovereign ruler of all humankind and all nations.
	Almighty God, bless the Members of this august body, the United States House of Representatives, who convene to fulfill Your very guidance to establish such just laws. Bless them with health, clarity, wisdom, compassion, and good fellowship.
	I beseech You, in the merit of the great leader and spiritual giant, the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson,^[3] Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, was known to adherents of the ḤaBaD-Lubavitch ḥassidic movement as the Lubavitcher Rebbe or simply the Rebbe, the most recent Rebbe of the Lubavitch Ḥasidic dynasty. He is considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century. of saintly and blessed memory, who came to these shores in 1941 and described this country as a nation of kindness, and who passionately shared the richness and importance of the said Seven Noaḥide Laws for all to embrace, to please grant that the vision of our Nation for a world imbued with peace and tranquility be the crowning achievements of this mighty and awesome Chamber in our days. And let us say, Amen.

This prayer by Rabbi Pinchus Ciment was offered while serving as guest chaplain before the 119th Congress, 1st Session of the US House of Representatives on 27 March 2025. The prayer was published in the Congressional Record, v.171, n.56 (Wednesday, March 27, 2025), House, page H1305.

Recordings

Source(s)

Notes

Notes
1	Here, Rabbi Ciment places a folded up piece of US currency into a pushke for tsedaqah.
2	Sanhedrin 56a; cf. Tosefta Avodah Zarah 8:4 and Genesis Rabbah 34:8. Six items were commanded to Adam: concerning idolatry, blasphemy, bloodshed, illicit sexuality, theft, and laws…God added to Noah, the law of not eating from the flesh of a live animal.” (Maimonides, Laws of Kings 9:1). The impetus behind sharing the sheva mitsvot in the context of ḤaBaD Lubavitch originates with the following teaching of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson: “We must do everything possible to ensure that the seven Noahide laws are observed. If this can be accomplished through force or through other kinder and more peaceful means through explaining to non-Jews that they should accept God’s wishes [we should do so]…Anyone who is able to influence a non-Jew in any way to keep the seven commandments is obligated to do so, since that is what God commanded Moses our teacher,” (“Sheva Mitzvot Shel Benai Noach,” Hapardes 59:9 7-11, 5745).
3	Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994), born in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, was known to adherents of the ḤaBaD-Lubavitch ḥassidic movement as the Lubavitcher Rebbe or simply the Rebbe, the most recent Rebbe of the Lubavitch Ḥasidic dynasty. He is considered one of the most influential Jewish leaders of the 20th century.

תְּפִלָּה לְהֲשָׁבַת אַחֵינוּ וְאַחְיוֹתֵינוּ אֲשֶׁר בַּשֶּׁבִי | Prayer for the Return of Our Brothers and Sisters from Captivity (Masorti Movement in Israel & Knesset haRabanim b’Yisrael, January 2025)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 19:48:14 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, צוּר יִשְׂרְאֵל וְגוֹאֲלוֹ, אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן, בִּתְפִלָה וּבְתַחֲנוּנִים אָנוּ פּוֹנִים אֵלֶיךָ בָּעֵת הַזֹּאת, לְהַחֲזִיר אֶת יֶתֶר הַחֲטוּפִים וְהַחֲטוּפוֹת שֶׁנֶּעֶקְרוּ בְּיַד זְדוֹנִית מִבָּתֵּיהֶם וְנֶחְטְפוּ אֶל אֶרֶץ אוֹיֵב וְרִשְׁעָה, בְּיוֹם שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה תשפ”ד, לִפְנֵי (___) יָמִים וְלֵילוֹת.	God of Israel, our Rock and our Redeemer, Merciful and Compassionate God, We now approach you in prayer, pleading that You return the remaining hostages who were cruelly torn from their homes and kidnapped to enemy territory on Shemini Atseret 2024, (___) days ago.^[1] Note that translated שמחת תורה as “Shemini Atseret” because the translation is likely to be used in the diaspora
נוֹשְׂאִים אָנוּ תְּחִנָּתֵנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ: אַב הָרַחֲמִים, הֱיֵה נָא בְּעֶזְרָם, חַזֵּק אֶת רוּחָם וְהָגֵן בַּעֲדָם, וְהָשֵׁב אֶת כָּל הַחַיִּים בְּמְהֵרָה וּבִזְמַן קָרוֹב לְחֵיק מִשְׁפְּחוֹתֵיהֶם וְיַקִּירֵיהֶן כְּמוֹ שֶׁאָמַרְתָּ: ”הִנְנִי שָׁב שְׁבוּת אָהֳלֵי יַעֲקוֹב וּמִשְׁכְּנֹתָיו אֲרַחֵם“ (ירמיהו ל:יח).	And so we plead before You: Merciful Parent, help them, strengthen their spirit, and protect them. And return the living and all who love them, quickly and soon to the embrace of their families and dear ones, as You have declared: “Behold, I will restore the captives of Jacob’s tents, and have mercy on their dwelling places…” (Jeremiah 30:18).
אֱלֹהֵי הָרַחֲמִים, עָשֵׂה לַהֲשָׁבַת גּוּפוֹת אַחֵינוּ וְאַחְיוֹתֵינוּ הַקְּדוֹשִׁים הַמֻּחְזָקוֹת בַּשֶּׁבִי בִּידֵי בְּנֵי־עַוְלָה, לְמַעַן יִזְכּוּ לְחֶסֶד אַחֲרוֹן וְלִמְנוּחָה נְכוֹנָה בְּאֶרֶץ קָדְשְׁךָ.	God of Mercy act to have the bodies of our holy brothers and sisters returned, which vile people are holding in captivity, so that they may merit [to receive] the final kindness and proper rest^[2] i.e., the preparation of the remains of the body and its burial in your Holy Land.
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁתְּחַזֵּק וְתִשְׁמֹר וּתְבָרְךְ אֶת קְבַרְנִיטֵי הַמְּדִינָה, רָאשֶׁיהָ וְיוֹעֲצֶיהָ, לְמַעַן יְהְיוּ שְׁלִיחֵי צִבּוּר נֶאֱמָנִים, וְתִצְּלַח דַּרְכָּם וּפָעֳלָם לַהֲשָׁבַת יֶתֶר (___) הַחֲטוּפִים וְהַחֲטוּפוֹת,	May it be your will to strengthen, support, and bless the leaders of the State [of Israel] and its advisors so that they will be faithful emissaries of the public. Grant them success in returning the remaining (___) captives,
וִיקֻיַּם בָּנוּ בִּמְהֵרָה בְּיָמֵינוּ מִקְרָא שֶכָּתוּב: ”וּפְדוּיֵי יְהֹוָה יְשׁוּבוּן וּבָאוּ צִיּוֹן בְּרִנָּה וְשִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם עַל־רֹאשָׁם שָׂשׂוֹן וְשִׂמְחָה יַשִּׂיגוּן נָסוּ יָגוֹן וַאֲנָחָה“ (ישעיהו נא:יא). ”וְשָׁבוּ בָּנִים וּבָנוֹת לִגְבוּלָם“ (ע״פ ירמיהו לא:טז).	And quickly, soon fulfil for us the verse: “So let Hashem‘s ransomed return, and come with shouting to Ẓion, crowned with joy everlasting. Let them attain joy and gladness, while sorrow and sighing flee.” (Isaiah 51:11) “And sons and daughters will be returned to their borders” (Cf. Jeremiah 31:16).
אָמֵן, כֵּן יְהִי רָצוֹן.	Amen, may it be your will.

This prayer for the safe release of the hostages taken by HAMA”S and its allies on 7 October 2023 was shared by the Masorti Movement in Israel and the Knesset haRabanim b’Yisrael on 17 January 2025 in anticipation of the release of the remaining living hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. The prayer was first published via the Masorti Movement website, here. Much gratitude to Shoshana Michael Zucker for her English translation.

Source(s)

Tefilat la-hashavat aheinu v’ahyotenu asher bishevi (Masorti Movement in Israel 2025)

Notes

Notes
1	Note that translated שמחת תורה as “Shemini Atseret” because the translation is likely to be used in the diaspora
2	i.e., the preparation of the remains of the body and its burial

תפילה למען עם ישראל והחטופים בעת הדלקת נרות חנוכה | Prayer for the People of Israel and the Captives while Kindling the Ḥanukkah Lights, by Rabbi Yuval Cherlow (Tzohar & Atid Le’Otef, 2024)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:17:00 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
אבינו שבשמים לאור נרות החנוכה שמאירים בבתי עם ישראל, ומעלים על נס את השגחתך בעולם, ואת עוז רוחם וגבורתם של החשמונאים, ומזכירים את הישועה ואת הניצחון שהתרחשו בימים אלה	Our Father in Heaven, Amidst the light of the Ḥanukkah candles that will illuminate homes of the people Yisrael^[1] Alternately, “the nation Israel”. The original translation offered here for batei am Yisrael was “Jewish homes.” and reveal the miracle of your presence in our world, and recall the strength and heroic spirit of the Ḥashmonaim, and the salvation of the victory that occurred in those days.
באנו לבקש ולהתחנן לפניך שתאיר לכל אלא שעדיין נמעאיס בחשיכה:‏	We come and plead before you that you will similarly bring light to all those who remain trapped in darkness:
לכל החטופים הנמצאים במנהרות החושך ומייחלים לישועה ולשיבה הביתה. לכל משפחותיהם וכל דורשי שלומם וטובתם, שצללים ממלאים את עולמם.	To all the captives imprisoned in tunnels of darkness and are desperately seeking salvation and return to their homes. To all their families and those who wish for their safety and welfare, while dark shadows continue to fill their worlds.
לכל העקורים מביתם שליבם וביתם חשוך.	To all those who have been forced out of their homes, while their hearts and homes remain dark.
לכל המשפחות השכולות שחשך עליהם עולמם.	To all the bereaved families whose lives have been permanently darkened.
ולכל נפגעי הנפש והגוף.	And all those who have been injured in body and spirit.
אמא מלא עולמך אור ויתקיים בנו ”אוֹר חָדָשׁ עַל צִיּוֹן תָּאִיר וְנִזְכֶּה כֻלָּנוּ מְהֵרָה לְאוֹרוֹ“	Hashem, please fill your world with light! And fulfill for us that which is written: “A new light will shine upon Ẓion, and we will all quickly merit its light.”^[2] From the morning Yotser Or liturgy in the blessings before the Shema’.

This Ḥanukkah prayer for the well-being of the captives taken during the massacres of HAMA”S and its allies on 7 October 2023, and for all in Israel affected by the ensuing war, was prepared by Rabbi Yuval Cherlow for Tzohar and Atid l’Otef. The prayer and its English translation were disseminated by social media and news services before Ḥanukkah on 25 December 2024.

Source(s)

Ḥanukkah 2024 prayer (Tzohar, Atid L’Otef)

Notes

Notes
1	Alternately, “the nation Israel”. The original translation offered here for batei am Yisrael was “Jewish homes.”
2	From the morning Yotser Or liturgy in the blessings before the Shema’.

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff on 22 October 2024

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:00:38 +0000

Guest Chaplain: Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff, Retired Navy Chaplain, Washington, DC
Date of Prayer: 22 October 2024

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	If you pray, please pray with me — If not, just pause to dream.
	Almighty God, While hostages suffer, We remember Broadway’s Les Mis plea: “God on High, hear my prayer, In my need, You have always been there. Bring him — [Bring them all] — home.”^[1] From the musical, Les Misérables (1980), lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer (1925-2020).
	41 years ago, tomorrow: I saw the Beirut Barracks Bombing Take 241 US military lives. Then another bomb: 58 French.
	They came in peace To a war-torn land. Like heroes through the ages, All gave some; some gave all.^[2] Variations of the line in the context of military memorials are attested as early as 1899 (as far as I can tell). On 20 September 1899, the governor of the state of Indiana, James Atwell Mount (1843-1901) delivered a speech in Chattanooga, Tennessee as part of ceremonies commemorating the Civil War Battle of Chickamauga. The battle fought on 18-20 September 1863, involved the second-highest number of casualties after the Battle of Gettysburg, nearly four thousand of them from Indiana. “Indiana soldiers were the first engaged in this terrible conflict and the last to retire from the bloody field. The State lost in this engagement 3,926 men. Indiana had more men actually engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, and sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded, than the United States lost on land and sea in defeating the Spanish armies and in destroying their fleets….No monument can be made too imposing, no tribute too lofty for those who gave the full measure of their patriotic devotion to the country. All the Indiana soldiers who fought here in sacrifice, in suffering, gave much, some gave all for the Nation’s life.” (“Dead Honored…Speech by Governor Mount” in The Indianapolis Journal (21 September 1899), page 1.) After World War Ⅰ, another variation of the line was offered at a memorial, this time offered by Judge Wendell Phillips Stafford (1861-1953), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. “It has been our fortune to watch from day to day the dramatic course of the greatest war in history. One by one we have seen it draw into its whirlpool all the strong nations of the earth. Even our own republic, that hated war, was compelled at last by plain regard to its own safety and simple fidelity to its own principles to take a part. But there were those among us who had the high privilege of doing something more than watch the battle; they were themselves a part of it. They helped to win the war. They risked all they had: and some gave all they had.” (“Judge Stafford’s Speech” in The Weekly Caledonian (24 September 1919), page 1.) By 1952, a more current variation of the line was being used as a slogan for war memorials. (Find, “Dedicated to those who rendered service to their Country…all gave some…some gave all” an Electra Military Memorial Board civic advertisement for the “Proposed Electra Military Memorial to be Placed in the New Electra Memorial Park Cemetery” (Electra Star, 29 May 1952, page 7). (It remains unclear why the line has been popularly (and widely) misattributed to Howard William Osterkamp (1929-1916), a Marine Sergeant in the Korean War (1951-1953) awarded the Purple Heart medal.) If you know of an earlier use of this line than 1899, please contact us. –Aharon Varady
	In 14 days we vote for leaders Through life’s wilderness of tears and fears: a nation too divided; a world that’s still at war; So many dead that all should suffer sorrow, horror, pain.
	Too easy to lose faith in dreams of better times: Swords to plowshares. War no more. None shall live in fear.^[3] Cf. Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3-4. For “Swords to plowshares,” also find Joel 4:10. God, bring them — those visions — home.^[4] Find above, the lines from Les Misérables. Help us keep our dreams. And may we say, Amen.

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Creator of the universe, as the Jewish New Year approaches, we ready ourselves for transitions and growth; beginnings and endings. We anticipate repair, learning, and forward movement in our country, and we prepare to handle challenges together.
	The core Jewish belief imbuing this entire season is that of return. It is the idea that we are all born pure and beautiful, and as we move through our lives, we make mistakes or transgress, but every single day, and every new year, we have the power to return to our best selves through soul searching, healing, and making amends.
	This new year, may each of us remember that potential within ourselves.
	May we return to our best selves; and as we do, may we see the beauty, inherent value, and possibility for positive change in all those around us.
	Together, may we co-create a sweet new year.
	Amen.

תפילה נוכח הרעה מדרום | Mi sheBerakh in the face of the Missiles Falling On Israel (Masorti Movement in Israel 2023)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 12 May 2023 22:20:28 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אָבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב, וְאִמּוֹתֵינוּ שָׂרָה רִבְקָה לֵאָה וְרָחֵל, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת תּוֹשְׁבֵי מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל הַחַיִּים תַּחַת הָאִיּוּם שֶׁל טִילֵי הֶרֶס וּמָוֶת, אֵשׁ, שִׂנְאָה וְאֵיבָה.	May the One who blessed our patriarchs: Avraham, Yitsḥaq, and Yaaqov and our matriarchs: Sarah, Rivqah, Leah, and Raḥel, bless the inhabitants of the State of Israel who live under the daily threat of missiles of death and destruction and fire of hatred and loathing.
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יְחַזֵּק אֶת לִבָּם וְאֶת כֹּשֶׁר עַמִידָתָם בְּעֵת מַשְׁבֵּר, עַד יַעֲבֹר זַעַם.	May the blessed Holy One, strengthen their hearts and reinforce their resilience at this time of crisis until the wrath passes.
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלִּפְנֵי יוֹשֵׁב בַּמְּרוֹמִים שֶׁיִּתֵּן עֵצָה טוֹבָה בְּלֵב כׇּל קְבַרְנִיטֵי הַמְּדִינָה, שֶׁיֵּדְעוּ לְנַהֵל אֶת מִלְחֶמֶת הָעָם בְּתוּשִׁיָּה, בַּהֲבָנָה וּבְחָכְמָה.	May it be the will of the One who resides in the Heights to give good counsel to the hearts of all the leaders of the State that they know to conduct this people’s war with wisdom, discernment and resourcefulness.
ה׳ צְבָאוֹת, אֱלֹהֵי מַעַרְכוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל, שְׁמֹר נָא עַל חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל הָעוֹמְדִים בַּמַּעֲרָכָה בַּיַּבָּשָׁה, בָּאֲוִיר וּבַיָּם, בַּחֲזִית וּבָעֹרֶף, וְעַל הַשׁוֹטְרִים וְכֹחוֹת הַבִּטָּחוֹן וְהַהַצָּלָה.	Lord of Hosts, God of the ranks of Israel, please protect the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces involved in this campaign, on land, in the air, and at sea, on the battlefront and the home front, and the police and all security and rescue forces.
הַצִילֵם אֱלֹהֵינוּ מִכׇּל צָרָה וְצוּקָה וּמִכׇּל פֶּגַע רַע, וּשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה וְהַצְלָחָה בְּמַעֲשֵׂי יְדֵיהֶם׃ צֵאתָם לְשָׁלוֹם וְשׁוּבָם לְבָתֵּיהֶם לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם.	Save them, our God, from every trouble and malevolent design, and deliver blessing and success to the striving of their hands. May they go out in peace and return to their homes alive and whole.
אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם, שִׂים שָׁלוֹם בָּאָרֶץ וְשִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם לְכׇל יוֹשְׁבֶיהָ, וִיקֻיַּם בָּנוּ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ מִקְרָא שֶׁכָּתוּב: ”וְיָשְׁבוּ אִישׁ תַּחַת גַּפְנוֹ וְתַחַת תְּאֵנָתוֹ וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד כִּי־פִי יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת דִּבֵּר“. (מיכה ד:ד)	Our Guardian in Heaven, bring peace to the Land and endless joy to its inhabitants and fulfill for them, speedily in our days, what is written in Scripture: “But every man shall sit under his grapevine or fig tree with no one to disturb him. For it was the Lord of Hosts who spoke” (Micah 4:4).
וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן.	May it be Your will and let us say, Amen.

“תפילה נוכח הרעה מדרום | Prayer in the face of the Missiles Falling On Israel” was shared by the Masorti Movement in Israel via their social media account on Twitter on 12 May 2023.

Source(s)

מייחלים ומתפללים לשבת שקטה 🙏 pic.twitter.com/IaFsX9tmnH

— התנועה המסורתית // The Masorti Movement (@MasortiMovement) May 12, 2023

Prayer on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel for North American Jews, by Rabbi Ayelet Cohen (T’ruah 2023)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 20:49:36 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
מְקוֹר הַחַיִּים עוֹשֶׂה פֶלֶא בָּרֵךְ אֶת מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת כׇּל תּוֹשָׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ הָגֵן עָלֶיהָ בְּאֶבְרַת חַסְדֶּךָ וּפְרוֹשׂ עָלֶיהָ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ חַזֵּק אֶת לִבּוֹת אֶזְרָחֶיהָ רוֹדְפֵי הַצֶּדֶק וְהַדֵּמוֹ קְרַטְיָה שֶׁיַּעֲבִיר וּקוֹלָם כְּשׁוֹפָר בְּכׇל הָאָרֶץ׃	Source of life, Maker of wonders bless the State of Israel and all the inhabitants of the land. Protect her with infinite compassion; spread over her your shelter of peace.^[1] Cf. the prayer “Hashkivenu,” Cf. Amos 9:11, Cf. Rav Avraham Isaac Kook, Mo’adei HaRe’iyah (Silver from the Land of Israel) p. 97. Strengthen the hearts and the will of its citizens calling out for justice and democracy. May their voices ring out like a shofar throughout the land.^[2] Cf. Leviticus 25:9-10
צְמִיחַת גְּאֻלָּתֵנוּ תֵּן בְּיָדָם לִנְטֹעַ מֵחָדָשׁ אֶת אֲשֶׁר נֶעֱקַר, לְהַשְׁקוֹת אֶת אֲשֶׁר נָבַל לְמַעַן יִפְרְחוּ וִישַׂגְשְׂגוּ שְׁתִילֵי הַבְטָחוֹת מִקְלָט וְשִׁוְיוֹן, אַל־תִּתֵּן לַמּוֹט רַגְלֵיהֶם, שֶׁלֹא יָנוּמוּ וְלֹא יִישְׁנוּ בָּרֵךְ אוֹתָם׃	A budding redemption,^[3] As in Rabbi Yitsḥak haLevi Hertzog’s “Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel” (1948). help them replant what has been uprooted and tend what has been neglected so the seedling promises of refuge and equality blossom and thrive. May their feet not give way; let them not tire nor slumber nor succumb to fear.^[4] Cf. Psalms 121:3-4.
חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ, אַל־תִּירְאוּ לְמַעַן עָתִיד מְשֻׁתָּף לְכׇל מִי שֶׁהָאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת הִיא בֵּיתוֹ׃	Grant strength and courage^[5] Deuteronomy 31:6. — nurture a shared future for all who call the land home.
הָרוֹפֵא לִשְׁבוּרֵי לֵב נְצֹר אֶת תִּקְווֹתֵינוּ עֲזֹר לָנוּ לַחְגֹּג אֶת הַנֵּס בַּהֲקָמַת מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲזֹר לָנוּ לְהִתְאַבֵּל עַל מָה שֶׁאָבַד בְּהַגְשָׁמַת חֲלוֹמֵנוּ׃	Healer of the broken-hearted,^[6] Psalms 147:3. sustain our hope. Help us celebrate what was and is miraculous in Israel’s founding. Help us grieve all that has been lost in the realization of that dream.
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁנִּהְיֶה אֲמִיצִים וְכֵנִים מַסְפִּיק לְהָכִיל אֶת הַשְּׁבָרִים בַּשָׁלֵם׃	May we be strong enough and honest enough to carry the shattered along with the whole.
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁאַהֲבָתֵנוּ וּדְבֵקוּתֵנוּ בַּחֲזוֹן הַנְּבִיאִים תַּעֲמֹדְנָה כִּדְבַשׁ מִסֶּלַע וּכְשֶׁמֶן מֵחַלְמִישׁ צוּר׃	May our love and our commitment to the vision of the Prophets endure like honey from the crag and oil from the flinty rock.^[7] Deuteronomy 32:13.
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁנִּזְכֶּה לִהְיוֹת שֻׁתָּפִים עִם אֱלֹהִים וְעִם כׇּל תּוֹשָׁבֵיהָ אָרֶץ לְקַיֵּם וּלְהָגֵן עַל שָׁלוֹם וְצֶדֶק וְשִׂמְחַת עוֹלָם׃	May we be partners with the Divine and with all the inhabitants of the land^[8] As underscored in the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence (1948). in establishing and protecting justice, peace and joy.

The “Prayer for North American Jews on the 75th Anniversary of Israel’s Founding” was first published and disseminated from the website of T’ruah, via PDF here for Yom ha-Atsma’ut in the year 2023.

I have transcribed the text from the PDF, modifying the layout slightly so as to set the Hebrew phrasing side-by-side with its English translation. I have also added some missing niqud and English translation along with notation where citation references are significant. –Aharon Varady

Source(s)

Prayer for North American Jews on the 75th Anniversary of Israel’s Founding

Prayer for North American Jews on the 75th Anniversary of Israel’s Founding (Ayelet Cohen, Truah 2023)

Notes

Notes
1	Cf. the prayer “Hashkivenu,” Cf. Amos 9:11, Cf. Rav Avraham Isaac Kook, Mo’adei HaRe’iyah (Silver from the Land of Israel) p. 97.
2	Cf. Leviticus 25:9-10
3	As in Rabbi Yitsḥak haLevi Hertzog’s “Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel” (1948).
4	Cf. Psalms 121:3-4.
5	Deuteronomy 31:6.
6	Psalms 147:3.
7	Deuteronomy 32:13.
8	As underscored in the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence (1948).

תְּפִלָּה עַל הָעַרְבוּת בְּעַד כׇּל יוֹשְׁבֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל | Prayer on Erev Shabbat for the Sake of All Residents of Israel, by Rebbitsen Hadassah Froman & Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum (2023)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:35:16 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
לְמַעַן אַחַי וְרֵעָי אֲדַבְּרָה־נָּא שָׁלוֹם בָּךְ לְמַעַן בֵּית־ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲבַקְשָׁה טוֹב לָךְ׃ (תהלים קכב:ח-ט)	For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will ask that good befall you. (Psalms 122:8-9)
רבון כל העולמים, אלהי כל הצדיקים והחסידים, רחום וחנון, עזרת השבטים, אלהי ישראל, אלוה כל,	Sovereign of all worlds, God of all righteous and pious people Who is merciful and gentle, Benefactor of all the tribes, God of Israel, God of everything.
בעת שאני עומדת להדליק נרות שבת קדש ומבקשת רחמים עלי ועל ביתי, חנני וזכני, שאתפלל בעד כל בית ישראל כולו, שנזכה כולנו לחיות זה עם זה ברחמים ובערבות, בשלום ובאחדות בינינו.	At the moment when I am about to light candles of the sacred Shabbat and ask for mercy for me and my household, be kind and allow me to pray for all the entirety of the house of Israel, that we may all live with one another with generosity and concern for the other, sharing peace and unity.
וכשאני רואה מישהו שהוא בהיפוך גמור מדעתי, ונדמה שאי אפשר בשום אופן להחזיק עמו בשלום, או כשאני רואה שני אנשים שהם שני הפכים ממש, תשמרני שלא אומר שאי אפשר חלילה. רק אזכור שאדרבה, זהו הערבות והשלום, להשתדל באהבת כל ישראל, ולדבר שלום בין שונים והפכים, כמו שאתה יתברך עושה בין אש ומים, שמהם יחד, פרשת על כולנו שמים.	And when I see someone who is the opposite of what I believe and it seems impossible in any way to be in peace with him, or when I see two people who are exact opposite one from the other, see that I do not say that it is impossible God forbid. And see that I remember that on the contrary, this is what mutual concern and peace is, trying to love all of Israel and speaking peace between people who are different than opposites, just as you God do between fire and water, putting them together to create the sky^[1] Cf. Rashi on Genesis 1:8. and then you spread the sky above all of us.
ובעת שאני מדליקה נרות שבת קודש אלה, המאירים את ביתי, חנני שאראה דרכם אורות כל בני ארצי. ויהיו בתיהם חביבים עלי כשלי, ומה ששנוא עלי לא אעשה חס ושלום לזולתי, גם החולקים עלי והמצערים אותי. ורחם על כל הדור הזה, והושיענו מן הצער ומן הצרות, שנישמר מאד מאד, מן החורבן ומשנאת חינם, שלא שבנו לציון ועיר הקדש, אלא על מנת להתקין ערבות ושלום בינינו ובין כל בריותיך.	At the moment when I kindle these sacred Shabbat candles which illuminate my home, allow me to see by their light, the light of all the sons and daughters of my land, and may their homes be as agreeable to me as my own, and what is loathsome to me may I not do unto others, including those who disagree with me and who make me sad, and have mercy on this entire generation and save us from sadness and trouble, so that we will be very, very careful and guard ourselves from destruction and from hatred without reason, as we did not return to Ẓion and to the Holy City of Jerusalem except for to bring mutual concern and peace among ourselves and all of your creation.
כי אתה ה׳ טוב ומטיב. ותן בנו חיים ואריכות רוח להכיר זה את זה ולהיות ערבים זה לזה. ותן לנו לב לאהבת ישראל, לראות במעלת כל ישראל, ולדבר בעדנו ברכה ושלום. ועל ידי זה יהיה שלום על ישראל.	Because you are a good God who brings good and give us life and expand our spirits to come to know one another and to be concerned for one another and give us heart to love Israel and see the virtue of all Israel and to wish for us all blessings and peace. And by virtue of this may there be peace upon Israel.
ה׳ עוז לעמו יתן ה׳ יברך את עמו בשלום. (תהלים כט:יא)	God will give strength to his people. God will bless his people with peace. (Psalms 29:11)

“Tefilah al ha-Arvut b’Ad Kol Yoshvei ha-Arets” was offered by הרבנית הדסה פרומן והרבה תמר אלעד־אפלבום (Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum, and Rebbitsen Hadassah Froman). I have transcribed the text of their prayer and set it side-by-side with an English translation offered by Noah Efron first shared on The Promised Podcast episode “Uncivil Disobedience?” (23 February 2023). The prayer was presented about an hour and eighteen minutes into the podcast. Noah framed his reading of the prayer through a description of his wife Susan offering it before lighting the Shabbat candles.

So we were about to light candles before Shabbat this past week, and Susan said, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. And she took out her phone and she tapped the screen and she cleared her throat and she read from Tehilim, from Psalms chapter 122:8-9. . . . And then Susan read a prayer I never heard before, it went, in my not good enough translation. . . . And then Susan smiled and said as she powered down her phone for Shabbat, “it’s a thing by Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Rebbitsen Hadassah Froman, I just wanted to read it.” And then Susan struck a match and lit the Shabbat candles illuminating our home, and we said the prayer and kiss Shabbat alone.

Source(s)

Translation (read by Noah Efron):
https://archive.org/download/promised-podcast-uncivil-disobedience-23-feb-2023-prayer/Promised%20Podcast%20-%20Uncivil%20Disobedience%20%2823%20Feb%202023%29%20-%20Prayer.mp3

Prayer before Lighting Shabbat Candles (Rabbanit Haddasah Froman and Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum)

Notes

Notes
1	Cf. Rashi on Genesis 1:8.

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the Georgia State House of Representatives: Rabbi Dr. Miriam Udel on 2 February 2023

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 00:54:32 +0000

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	May we recognize the light of the Divine Source in the varied countenances of our fellow human beings.
	May we dignify the otherness of others while cultivating a deep sense of connection through the humanity that we all share.
	O God of creation and of deliverance, grant peace, goodness, and blessing, grace, loving kindness, and compassion to us and all your people.
	Bless us with the light of your countenance for by this light you have given us living teachings and love of kindness, righteousness, blessing, compassion, life, and peace.
	May you see fit to bless us always, in every hour, with your peace.
	And to this we say: Amen

This is the invocation offered before the House of Representatives of the US State of Georgia, in their 157th session, day 11, 2 February 2023 (Chaplain of the Day). The prayer was offered in conclusion to a short sermon. Rabbi Dr. Miriam Udel was introduced by Rep. Esther Panitch. I have transcribed the text of this prayer from the video recording made public by the Georgia State House of Representatives, via their Youtube channel. Many thanks to Dr. Rachel Gross for highlighting this event. –Aharon Varady

Source(s)

תפילת השעה | Prayer of the Moment [after the Neve Yaakov synagogue shooting], by Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch (Knesset haRabanim l’Yisrael 2023)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 23:56:14 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת מִמַּעֲמַקִּים קְרָאתִיךָ יְהוָה׃ אֲדֹנָי שִׁמְעָה בְקוֹלִי תִּהְיֶינָה אָזְנֶיךָ קַשֻּׁבוֹת לְקוֹל תַּחֲנוּנָי׃ אִם־עֲוֺנוֹת תִּשְׁמָר־יָהּ אֲדֹנָי מִי יַעֲמֹד׃ כִּי־עִמְּךָ הַסְּלִיחָה לְמַעַן תִּוָּרֵא׃ קִוִּיתִי יְהוָה קִוְּתָה נַפְשִׁי וְלִדְבָרוֹ הוֹחָלְתִּי׃ נַפְשִׁי לַאדֹנָי מִשֹּׁמְרִים לַבֹּקֶר שֹׁמְרִים לַבֹּקֶר׃ יַחֵל יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יְהוָה כִּי־עִם־יְהוָה הַחֶסֶד וְהַרְבֵּה עִמּוֹ פְדוּת׃ וְהוּא יִפְדֶּה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִכֹּל עֲוֺנֹתָיו׃ (תהלים ק״ל)	A song of ascents. Out of the depths I call you, YHVH. My Lord, listen to my cry; let your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. If you keep account of sins, Yah, my Lord, who will survive? Yours is the power to forgive so that you may be held in awe. I and my soul hope for YHVH, and I await their word. I am more eager for my Lord than watchmen for the morning, [than] watchmen for the morning! O Yisrael, wait for YHVH; for with YHVH is a steadfast love and a great power to redeem. It is they who will redeem Yisrael from all their iniquities. (Psalms 130)
ריבון כל העולמים, מלך שהשלום שלו שים שלום בארץ והסר ממנה אכזריות איבה ושנאה	May the One who has dominion over all, Sovereign of Peace Establish peace in the Land, and turn aside enmity and hatred.
שלח מאורך ואמיתך לכל יושביה למען ידעו לכבד זה את זה	Send forth your light and your truth to all its inhabitants, that they will treat one another with mutual respect.
ולדבר זה עם זה למען יכבדו את צלמך המצוי בהם ובכל אדם אחר היושב בארץ הזו	May they come to see your image in one another, among all the inhabitants of Erets Yisrael.
שלח מרוחך לראשי שרי ויועצי מדינתנו על מנת שידעו לפעול בשום שכל ובנחת רוח לצמצם ולהסיר שפיכות דמים מן הארץ	Inspire government leaders and advisors to act with wisdom and patience, to minimize and remove bloodshed.
המצא רפואה שלמה לכל הפצועים, ושלח נחמה למשפחות הרוגים	Send speedy and full healing to the injured, and comfort to the families of the dead.
וקיים בנו מהרה מקרא שכתוב לֹא־יִשָּׂא גוֹי אֶל־גּוֹי חֶרֶב וְלֹא־יִלְמְדוּ עוֹד מִלְחָמָה (ישעיה ב:ד חלק)	And fulfill the promise made in scripture, “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4 part) And let us say, Amen.

“Tefilah haSha’ah” (Prayer of the Moment) with Psalms 130 was offered by Rav Avi Novis-Deutsch and shared by the Knesset haRabbanim l’Yisrael via their Facebook page on 29 January 2023. The English translation of the prayer was shared by the Rabbinical Assembly via their Facebook page a few hours later.

The translation of Psalms 130 is derived from the Sefaria Community translation. (I have re-hebraicized divine names, de-capitalized ‘you/your,’ and replaced default masculine pronouns for the divine with the gender inclusive singular ‘they.’) We have transcribed the prayer from the source image and set it and Psalms 130 side-by-side with their translations in English. –Aharon Varady

Source(s)

Tefilah haSha’ah (Avi Novis-Deutsch 2023)

Prayer for the People of Ukraine, by Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis (Office of the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations, 2022)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 01:00:53 +0000

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
רִבּוֹן הָעוֹלָמִים שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלַּת כָּל־פֶּה	Sovereign of the Universe Who hearkens to our prayers. We stand before You in solidarity with all who are enduring the darkness of human conflict in Ukraine.
	May You protect all innocent men, women and children at this moment of great peril for them, their country, for Europe and the world.
	Bring fortitude to the vulnerable, resilience to the insecure and strength to those who live in fear.
	Incline the hearts of national leaders towards peace and reconciliation and bless them with the wisdom, vision and perseverance needed to end this war and restore peace to the region.
	Almighty God, strengthen the hands of those who pursue peace, not war. Bring harmony where there is hostility; relief where there is pain and hope where there is despair.
עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עַל כָּל יוֺשְׁבֵי תֵבֶל	May He who makes peace in high places Make peace for all on earth.
וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן וָנֺאמַר אָמֵן׃	May this be your will And let us say Amen.

“Prayer for the People of Ukraine” was written by the chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, Ephraim Mirvis, and shared via the Twitter account of the Office of the Chief Rabbi. A video message was also shared via Facebook.

Source

“Almighty God, strengthen the hands of those who pursue peace, not war.”
The Chief Rabbi has composed a brief prayer for the people of Ukraine which has been distributed to synagogues around the country. pic.twitter.com/nQs6mdH8sR

— Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) February 24, 2022

כַּפָּרוֹת | Kaparōt (using money dedicated for charity), the ritual for the expiation of offenses before Yom Kippur

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:04:02 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
נהוג לקיים את מנהג הכפרות השכם בבוקר בערב יום הכיפורים או קודם לכן בעשרת ימי תשובה.	It is customary to observe the custom of Kaparot early in the morning on the eve of Yom Kippur or earlier on the Ten Days of Repentance.
יש להחזיק את את כסף ה-‘כפרות’ ביד ימין ולומר:	Hold the money of the Kaparot in your right (or dominant) hand and say:
בְּנֵי אָדָם	Children of Adam —
יֹשְׁבֵי חֹשֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָוֶת אֲסִירֵי עֳנִי וּבַרְזֶל׃ (תהלים קז:י)	Some lived in deepest darkness, bound in cruel irons (Psalms 107:10)
יוֹצִיאֵם מֵחֹשֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָוֶת וּמוֹסְרוֹתֵיהֶם יְנַתֵּק׃ (תהלים קז:יד)	[Hashem] brought them out of deepest darkness, broke their bonds asunder. (Psalms 107:14)
אֱוִלִים מִדֶּרֶךְ פִּשְׁעָם וּמֵעֲוֺנֹתֵיהֶם יִתְעַנּוּ׃ כׇּל־אֹכֶל תְּתַעֵב נַפְשָׁם וַיַּגִּיעוּ עַד־שַׁעֲרֵי מָוֶת׃ וַיִּזְעֲקוּ אֶל־יְהֹוָה בַּצַּר לָהֶם מִמְּצֻקוֹתֵיהֶם יוֹשִׁיעֵם׃ יִשְׁלַח דְּבָרוֹ וְיִרְפָּאֵם וִימַלֵּט מִשְּׁחִיתוֹתָם׃ יוֹדוּ לַיהֹוָה חַסְדּוֹ וְנִפְלְאוֹתָיו לִבְנֵי אָדָם׃ (תהלים קז:יז-כא)	There were fools who suffered for their sinful way, and for their iniquities. All food was loathsome to them; they reached the gates of death. In their adversity they cried to YHVH and [Hashem] saved them from their troubles. [Hashem] gave an order and healed them; [Hashem] delivered them from the [charnel] pits. Let them praise YHVH for [Hashem’s] steadfast love, the wondrous deeds of [Hashem] for the children of Adam. (Psalms 107:17-21)
אִם־יֵשׁ עָלָיו מַלְאָךְ מֵלִיץ אֶחָד מִנִּי־אָלֶף לְהַגִּיד לְאָדָם יָשְׁרוֹ׃ וַיְחֻנֶּנּוּ וַיֹּאמֶר פְּדָעֵהוּ מֵרֶדֶת שָׁחַת מָצָאתִי כֹפֶר׃ (איוב לג:כג-כד)	If one has a malakh (angelic representative), [even] one advocate out of a thousand to declare the person’s uprightness, then [El] has mercy on them and decrees, “Redeem them from descending to the [charnel] Pit, for I have obtained their ransom.” (Job 33:23-24)
מסובבים את הכסף מעל הראש שלוש פעמים ואומרים:	Turn the money over your head three times and say:
זֶה חֲלִיפָתִי, זֶה תְּמוּרָתִי, זֶה כַּפָּרָתִי. זֶה הַכֶּסֶף יִנָּתֵן לִצְדָקָה וַאֲנִי אֵלֵךְ לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים אֲרֻכִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם.	This is my exchange. This is my substitute. This is my expiation. This money shall be given for tsedaqah and I will go on to a good long life and to peace.
אומרים את כל התפילה שלוש פעמים.	Say this entire prayer three times.
מבין יהודי גרמניה יש שאינם נוהגים לסובב את הכפרות מעל ראשם אלא לצרור את המעות ולהניחן על שולחן, להניח את ידם על הצרור ולומר “זו כפרתי”. את כסף ה’כפרות’ נותנים לצדקה.	Among the Jews of Germany there are those who do not usually turn the Kaparot over their heads but rather bundle the money and place it on a table, place their hand on the bundle and say “this is my Kaparah.” The money of the Kaparot is given to tsedaqah (charity).

This work is adapted from the article “Kaparot” in Hebrew Wikipedia.

Source(s)

Trōpifying English and other Latin Script Language Readings with Masoretic Hebrew cantillation marks (t’amim, trōp)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 19:02:09 +0000

DOWNLOAD: LatinTrop.ttf

qadmañ munaâḥ zarqaè munaâḥ segoél munaâḥ | munaâḥ rəviiì mapaàkh pashtaá zaqef-qataãn
zaqef-gadoíl merkhaä tipḥaå munaâḥ etnaḥtaæ pazeðr təlisha-qətanaóh
təlisha gədolaôh qadmañ vəazlaò azlaò-geresh gershayîim
dargaê təviër ïyətiv pəsiq | merkhaä tipḥaå merkhaä sof pasuçq ׃
shalsheõlet merkha kəfulaöh yeraḥ ben yo÷mo qarnei faraøh ׃

Some rabbis, cantors, and other learned Jews have been adding cantillation to English readings and translations for about three decades now, innovated largely within the world of Jewish Renewal influenced congregations. (Find, for example, the work of Len Fellman, Ḥazan Jack Kessler, and more recently, Rabbi David Evan Markus.) For technical reasons, this practice has largely been realized by hand, with a marker or pencil, on a printout. On the digital side, Len Fellman created a set of images of trōp which he painstakingly places above and below the text of his transtrōpilations (translations of the Masoretic text of the parashot and haftarot with trōp!).

Here at the Open Siddur, we’ve worked to archive English texts with trōp with a goal of preserving them in some easily reproducible, copy/paste and indexable, future-proof standard. To this end, I first attempted to transcribe the text and then apply the trōp from the Unicode Hebrew code range directly within the English. This sort of worked — the issues being one of legibility. The trōp were never really sized properly vis a vis the English text, and, more importantly, the trōp didn’t appear visually in the proper direction of the text. What was needed was some means to provide a mirror image of the trōp glyphs when displaying them in left-to-right oriented text. Ideally, it would be wonderful if such a technical solution existed. Alas, no! Another solution would be to have a new set of Unicode trōp glyphs to use for just such an purpose. Alas, such trōp do not exist in the current Unicode standard either. So what can be done?

The good news is that something has been done already. The trōp table above displays a font developed in 2010 by Jonathan Salzedo for cantillating (trōpifying) Latin script text with Masoretic Hebrew cantillation marks (t’amim). The font is not so sophisticated; Salzedo used off-the-shelf, closed-source font software for his project (Font Creator), rather than say, FontForge. His font simply takes existing Latin letters with diacritical marks, ligatures, and symbols, and maps these to new, hybrid Latin-Masoretic Hebrew glyphs.

So, for example, “aá” and “aã” become aá and aã.

While not a perfect solution for preserving English texts with trōp under a future-proof standard, this innovation moves us in that direction. What is important is that the font can be improved upon, and a means of converting texts from the standard introduced here to something more robust, while non-trivial, seems very possible.

Documentation for the font being sparse, I’ve prepared the following which should help.

To use this font in a document, you’ll first need to download the ZIP file, unpack it, and install the fonts.
Then, select the font in your preferred text layout application (e.g. LibreOffice Writer).

This, then, is the crucial instruction:

To get the trōp you need to display,
type the letter you want the trōp to appear adjacent to (above or below)
and then type the particular character associated with the trōp in the font.

I’ve provided an alphabetical index of the trōp below. The index also shows the particular combinations required to display the trōp with the font using the trōp names as an example.

Many thanks to Len Fellman for bringing this font to our attention. –Aharon Varady

Index of Associated Characters and Trōp

For ◌ò (azlaò) use ò, for example: ‘azlaò’
For ◌ê (dargaê) use ê, for example: ‘dargaê’
For ◌æ (etnaḥtaæ) use æ, for example: ‘etnaḥtaæ’
For ◌î (gershayîim) use î, for example: ‘gershayîim’
For ◌ö (kəfulaöh) use ö, for example: ‘kəfulaöh’
For ◌à (mapaàkh) use à, for example: ‘mapaàkh’
For ◌ä (merkhaä) use ä, for example: ‘merkhaä’
For ◌â (munaâḥ) use â, for example: ‘munaâḥ’
For ◌á (pashtaá) use á, for example: ‘pashtaá’
For ◌ð (pazeðr) use ð, for example: ‘pazeðr’
For ◌ñ (qadmañ) use ñ, for example: ‘qadmañ’
For ◌ø (qarnei faraøh) use ø, for example: ‘qarnei faraøh’
For ◌ì (rəviiì) use ì, for example: ‘rəviiì’
For ◌é (segoél) use é, for example: ‘segoél’
For ◌õ (shalsheõlet) use õ, for example: ‘shalsheõlet’
For ◌ç (sof pasuçq) use ç, for example: ‘sof pasuçq’
For ◌ó (təlisha-qətanaóh) use ó, for example: ‘təlisha-qətanaóh’
For ◌ô (təlisha gədolaôh) use ô, for example: ‘təlisha gədolaôh’
For ◌ë (təviër) use ë, for example: ‘təviër’
For ◌å (tipḥaå) use å, for example: ‘tipḥaå’
For ◌ï (ïyətiv pəsiq) use ï, for example: ‘ïyətiv pəsiq’
For ◌÷ (yeraḥ ben yo÷mo) use ÷, for example: ‘yeraḥ ben yo÷mo’
For ◌ã (zaqef-qataãn) use ã, for example: ‘zaqef-qataãn’
For ◌í (zaqef-gadoíl) use í, for example: ‘zaqef-gadoíl’
For ◌è (zarqaè) use è, for example: ‘zarqaè’

💬 קריאות לראש השנה לבהמה | Torah and Haftarah Readings for Rosh haShanah la-Behemot on Rosh Ḥodesh Elul

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 18:57:17 +0000

This is a Torah Reading that I’ve selected for Rosh haShanah la-Behemot on Rosh Ḥodesh Elul which calls upon us to take responsibility for our role in deficient and broken relationships in the month before Rosh haShanah, Yom Kippur, and Hoshanah Rabbah. We begin with those who have the most difficulty communicating their needs to us, the behemot — the domesticated/tame animals who rely upon us to be their advocate — for who else is there? The reason I have chosen Numbers 22:20-38 from Parashat Balaq is due to the Torah’s remarkable tale of giving voice to the voiceless, to this most vulnerable of laborers, which up till this point has had no voice in the Torah despite their appearance prior to that of Adam and Ḥavah on the sixth day of creation, participant in the journey of the Akedah, victim of the crimes of the Egyptians in Egypt, and celebrant of the pidyon habekhor!

The ability to communicate was once considered the exceptional and distinctive capability of human beings. The “mouth of the donkey” is recognized in Pirkei Avot chapter 5 as one of the ten miraculous works invented in the primordial period to be an intervention in the normal work of creation. When we, human beings, make masks — put on the face of animal — we can explore with our empathy what it may be like to see through their eyes and even try to speak as their representative. This is part of the praxis that is the Council of All Beings activity recommended for Rosh haShanah laBehemot. In this reading, we can read of an comparative transformation — that of an animal who is being given a human mask, enabling them to communicate as effectively as any human to another in their own language. Just as readily, we can recognize the comparative difficulty for a man like Bila’am to wear the mask of the divine as a prophet — to speak in their Name! Can we transform ourselves, so that non-human animals do require a divine intervention in order to be saved from our abuse? This is the message underscored by this reading; verses 22:20-38 presents a chiastic unit which I think emphasizes calling, being called to speak, arising, striking, hunching down, being called once again, and explaining something of the secret of theurgical speech.

For the Haftarah, I have followed the sage advice of Isaac Gantwerk Mayer who suggested Hosea 2:16-25 featuring verse 20, which discusses the covenant with the animals, and Hosea 14:3-4, which discusses the end of animal sacrifices and no longer using horses in combat. –Aharon Varady

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
תורה: במדבר כב:כ-לח	Torah Reading: Numbers 22:20-38
^כ וַיָּבֹ֨א אֱלֹהִ֥ים ׀ אֶל־בִּלְעָם֮ לַ֒יְלָה֒ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ אִם־לִקְרֹ֤א לְךָ֙ בָּ֣אוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים ק֖וּם לֵ֣ךְ אִתָּ֑ם וְאַ֗ךְ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֥וֹ תַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ ^כא וַיָּ֤קׇם בִּלְעָם֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַֽיַּחֲבֹ֖שׁ אֶת־אֲתֹנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ עִם־שָׂרֵ֥י מוֹאָֽב׃	22 ²⁰ And Elohim came to Bil’am at night, he said to him: “Since it is to call you that the men have come, arise, go with them; but — only the word that I speak to you, that (alone) may you do.” ²¹ Bil’am arose at daybreak, he saddled his atōn/jenny,^[1] a female donkey. and went with the nobles of Moav.
^כב וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף אֱלֹהִים֮ כִּֽי־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ הוּא֒ וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב מַלְאַ֧ךְ יְהֹוָ֛ה בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְשָׂטָ֣ן ל֑וֹ וְהוּא֙ רֹכֵ֣ב עַל־אֲתֹנ֔וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֥י נְעָרָ֖יו עִמּֽוֹ׃ שני ^כג וַתֵּ֣רֶא הָאָתוֹן֩ אֶת־מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ שְׁלוּפָה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ וַתֵּ֤ט הָֽאָתוֹן֙ מִן־הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיַּ֤ךְ בִּלְעָם֙ אֶת־הָ֣אָת֔וֹן לְהַטֹּתָ֖הּ הַדָּֽרֶךְ׃	²² But YHVH’s anger flared up because he was going, so YHVH’s messenger stationed himself in the way as an adversary to him. Now he was riding on his jenny, his two serving-lads with him. ²³ Now the jenny saw YHVH’s messenger stationed in the way, his sword drawn in his hand, so the jenny turned aside from the way and went into the field. And Bil’am struck the jenny to turn her back onto the way.
^כד וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹל הַכְּרָמִ֑ים גָּדֵ֥ר מִזֶּ֖ה וְגָדֵ֥ר מִזֶּֽה׃ ^כה וַתֵּ֨רֶא הָאָת֜וֹן אֶת־מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֗ה וַתִּלָּחֵץ֙ אֶל־הַקִּ֔יר וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ אֶת־רֶ֥גֶל בִּלְעָ֖ם אֶל־הַקִּ֑יר וַיֹּ֖סֶף לְהַכֹּתָֽהּ׃	²⁴ But YHVH’s messenger stood in the furrow (between) the vineyards, a fence here and a fence there. ²⁵ Now the jenny saw YHVH’s messenger, so she pressed herself against the wall, pressing Bil’am’s foot against the wall; and once again he struck her.
^כו וַיּ֥וֹסֶף מַלְאַךְ־יְהֹוָ֖ה עֲב֑וֹר וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ בְּמָק֣וֹם צָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵֽין־דֶּ֥רֶךְ לִנְט֖וֹת יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאול׃ ^כז וַתֵּ֤רֶא הָֽאָתוֹן֙ אֶת־מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ תַּ֣חַת בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיִּֽחַר־אַ֣ף בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיַּ֥ךְ אֶת־הָאָת֖וֹן בַּמַּקֵּֽל׃	²⁶ But YHVH’s messenger once again crossed over, standing in a narrow place where there was no pathway to turn, right or left. ²⁷ Now the jenny saw YHVH’s messenger, so she crouched down beneath Bil’am. And Bil’am’s anger flared up; he struck the jenny with his staff.
^כח וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־פִּ֣י הָאָת֑וֹן וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לְבִלְעָם֙ מֶה־עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי לְךָ֔ כִּ֣י הִכִּיתַ֔נִי זֶ֖ה שָׁלֹ֥שׁ רְגָלִֽים׃ ^כט וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ לָֽאָת֔וֹן כִּ֥י הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ בִּ֑י ל֤וּ יֶשׁ־חֶ֙רֶב֙ בְּיָדִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה הֲרַגְתִּֽיךְ׃ שלישי ^ל וַתֹּ֨אמֶר הָאָת֜וֹן אֶל־בִּלְעָ֗ם הֲלוֹא֩ אָנֹכִ֨י אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜ אֲשֶׁר־רָכַ֣בְתָּ עָלַ֗י מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙ עַד־הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה הַֽהַסְכֵּ֣ן הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לְךָ֖ כֹּ֑ה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹֽא׃	²⁸ Then YHVH opened the mouth of the jenny and she said to Bil’am: “What have I done to you that you have struck me (on) these three occasions?” ²⁹ Bil’am said: “Because you have been capricious with me! If a sword had been in my hand, by now I would have killed you!” ³⁰ The jenny said to Bil’am: “Am I not your jenny upon whom you have ridden from your past until this day? Have I ever been accustomed, accustomed to do thus to you?” He said: “No.”
^לא וַיְגַ֣ל יְהֹוָה֮ אֶת־עֵינֵ֣י בִלְעָם֒ וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת־מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ שְׁלֻפָ֖ה בְּיָד֑וֹ וַיִּקֹּ֥ד וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לְאַפָּֽיו׃ ^לב וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהֹוָ֔ה עַל־מָ֗ה הִכִּ֙יתָ֙ אֶת־אֲתֹ֣נְךָ֔ זֶ֖ה שָׁל֣וֹשׁ רְגָלִ֑ים הִנֵּ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ יָצָ֣אתִי לְשָׂטָ֔ן כִּֽי־יָרַ֥ט הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְנֶגְדִּֽי׃ ^לג וַתִּרְאַ֙נִי֙ הָֽאָת֔וֹן וַתֵּ֣ט לְפָנַ֔י זֶ֖ה שָׁלֹ֣שׁ רְגָלִ֑ים אוּלַי֙ נָטְתָ֣ה מִפָּנַ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֛ה גַּם־אֹתְכָ֥ה הָרַ֖גְתִּי וְאוֹתָ֥הּ הֶחֱיֵֽיתִי׃ ^לד וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל־מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהֹוָה֙ חָטָ֔אתִי כִּ֚י לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֥י אַתָּ֛ה נִצָּ֥ב לִקְרָאתִ֖י בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ וְעַתָּ֛ה אִם־רַ֥ע בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ אָשׁ֥וּבָה לִּֽי׃ מפטיר ^לה וַיֹּ֩אמֶר֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־בִּלְעָ֗ם לֵ֚ךְ עִם־הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶ֗פֶס אֶת־הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֣וֹ תְדַבֵּ֑ר וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ בִּלְעָ֖ם עִם־שָׂרֵ֥י בָלָֽק׃	³¹ Then YHVH uncovered Bil’am’s eyes and he saw YHVH’s messenger stationed in the way, his sword drawn in his hand; he bowed and prostrated himself, to his brow. ³² YHVH’s messenger said to him: “For what (cause) did you strike your jenny (on) these three occasions? Here, I came out as an adversary, for the way was rushed out against me. ³³ Now the jenny saw me, so she turned aside before me (on) these three occasions. Had she not turned aside from me, by now, (it is) you I would have killed; but her I would have left-alive!” ³⁴ Bil’am said to YHVH’s messenger: “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were stationed to meet me in the way. But now, if it is ill in your eyes, I will head back.” ³⁵ YHVH’s messenger said to Bil’am: “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that (alone) may you speak.” And so Bil’am went with Balaq’s nobles.
^לו וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע בָּלָ֖ק כִּ֣י בָ֣א בִלְעָ֑ם וַיֵּצֵ֨א לִקְרָאת֜וֹ אֶל־עִ֣יר מוֹאָ֗ב אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־גְּב֣וּל אַרְנֹ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּקְצֵ֥ה הַגְּבֽוּל׃ ^לז וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בָּלָ֜ק אֶל־בִּלְעָ֗ם הֲלֹא֩ שָׁלֹ֨חַ שָׁלַ֤חְתִּי אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ לִקְרֹא־לָ֔ךְ לָ֥מָּה לֹא־הָלַ֖כְתָּ אֵלָ֑י הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם לֹ֥א אוּכַ֖ל כַּבְּדֶֽךָ׃ ^לח וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל־בָּלָ֗ק הִֽנֵּה־בָ֙אתִי֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ עַתָּ֕ה הֲיָכֹ֥ל אוּכַ֖ל דַּבֵּ֣ר מְא֑וּמָה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָשִׂ֧ים אֱלֹהִ֛ים בְּפִ֖י אֹת֥וֹ אֲדַבֵּֽר׃	³⁶ When Balaq heard that Bil’am was coming, he went out to meet him, to Ír/Town of Moav that is by the Arnon border, that is at the far-edge of the border. ³⁷ And Balaq said to Bil’am: “Did I not send, yes, send to you, to call you! Why did you not go to me? Am I truly not able to honor you?” ³⁸ Bil’am said to Balaq: “Here, I have come to you; but now, am I able, able to speak anything (myself)? The word that Elohim puts in my mouth, that (alone) may I speak.”
הפטרה: הושע ב:טז-כה	Haftarah: Hosea 2:16-25
^טז לָכֵ֗ן הִנֵּ֤ה אָֽנֹכִי֙ מְפַתֶּ֔יהָ וְהֹֽלַכְתִּ֖יהָ הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר וְדִבַּרְתִּ֖י עַל לִבָּֽהּ׃ ^יז וְנָתַ֨תִּי לָ֤הּ אֶת־כְּרָמֶ֙יהָ֙ מִשָּׁ֔ם וְאֶת־עֵ֥מֶק עָכ֖וֹר לְפֶ֣תַח תִּקְוָ֑ה וְעָ֤נְתָה שָּׁ֙מָּה֙ כִּימֵ֣י נְעוּרֶ֔יהָ וִּכְי֖וֹם עֲלֹתָ֥הּ מֵאֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרָֽיִם׃ (ס) ^יח וְהָיָ֤ה בַיּוֹם־הַהוּא֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה תִּקְרְאִ֖י אִישִׁ֑י וְלֹֽא־תִקְרְאִי־לִ֥י ע֖וֹד בַּעְלִֽי׃ ^יט וַהֲסִרֹתִ֛י אֶת־שְׁמ֥וֹת הַבְּעָלִ֖ים מִפִּ֑יהָ וְלֹֽא־יִזָּכְר֥וּ ע֖וֹד בִּשְׁמָֽם׃ ^כ וְכָרַתִּ֨י לָהֶ֤ם בְּרִית֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא עִם־חַיַּ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְעִם־ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וְרֶ֖מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה וְקֶ֨שֶׁת וְחֶ֤רֶב וּמִלְחָמָה֙ אֶשְׁבּ֣וֹר מִן־הָאָ֔רֶץ וְהִשְׁכַּבְתִּ֖ים לָבֶֽטַח׃ ^כא וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ לִ֖י לְעוֹלָ֑ם וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ לִי֙ בְּצֶ֣דֶק וּבְמִשְׁפָּ֔ט וּבְחֶ֖סֶד וּֽבְרַחֲמִֽים׃ ^כב וְאֵרַשְׂתִּ֥יךְ לִ֖י בֶּאֱמוּנָ֑ה וְיָדַ֖עַתְּ אֶת־יְהוָֽה׃ (ס) ^כג וְהָיָ֣ה ׀ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא אֶֽעֱנֶה֙ נְאֻם־יְהוָ֔ה אֶעֱנֶ֖ה אֶת־הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם וְהֵ֖ם יַעֲנ֥וּ אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ ^כד וְהָאָ֣רֶץ תַּעֲנֶ֔ה אֶת־הַדָּגָ֖ן וְאֶת־הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ וְאֶת־הַיִּצְהָ֑ר וְהֵ֖ם יַעֲנ֥וּ אֶֽת־יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃ ^כה וּזְרַעְתִּ֤יהָ לִּי֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וְרִֽחַמְתִּ֖י אֶת־לֹ֣א רֻחָ֑מָה וְאָמַרְתִּ֤י לְלֹֽא־עַמִּי֙ עַמִּי־אַ֔תָּה וְה֖וּא יֹאמַ֥ר אֱלֹהָֽי׃ (פ)	2 ¹⁶ Assuredly, I will speak coaxingly to her and lead her through the wilderness and speak to her tenderly. ¹⁷ I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Akhor as a plowland of hope. There she shall respond as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Mitsrayim. ¹⁸ And in that day —declares YHVH— you will call [me] Ishi, and no more will you call me Baali. ¹⁹ For I will remove the names of the Baalim from her mouth, and they shall nevermore be mentioned by name. ²⁰ In that day, I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; I will also banish bow, sword, and war from the land. Thus I will let them lie down in safety. ²¹ And I will espouse you forever: I will espouse you with righteousness and justice, and with goodness and compassion, ²² and I will espouse you with faithfulness; then you shall be devoted to YHVH. ²³ In that day, I will respond —declares YHVH— I will respond to the sky, and it shall respond to the earth; ²⁴ and the earth shall respond with new grain and wine and oil, and they shall respond to Yizrəʽel. ²⁵ I will sow her in the land as my own; and take those denied compassion back in favor; and I will say to those denied a country, “You are my people,” and they will respond, “[You are] my elo’ah.”
הושע יד:ב-ח	Hosea 14:2-8
^ב שׁ֚וּבָה יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל עַ֖ד יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ כִּ֥י כָשַׁ֖לְתָּ בַּעֲוֺנֶֽךָ׃ ^ג קְח֤וּ עִמָּכֶם֙ דְּבָרִ֔ים וְשׁ֖וּבוּ אֶל־יְהוָ֑ה אִמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו כָּל־תִּשָּׂ֤א עָוֺן֙ וְקַח־ט֔וֹב וּֽנְשַׁלְּמָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים שְׂפָתֵֽינוּ׃ ^ד אַשּׁ֣וּר ׀ לֹ֣א יוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נוּ עַל־סוּס֙ לֹ֣א נִרְכָּ֔ב וְלֹא־נֹ֥אמַר ע֛וֹד אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ לְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה יָדֵ֑ינוּ אֲשֶׁר־בְּךָ֖ יְרֻחַ֥ם יָתֽוֹם׃ ^ה אֶרְפָּא֙ מְשׁ֣וּבָתָ֔ם אֹהֲבֵ֖ם נְדָבָ֑ה כִּ֛י שָׁ֥ב אַפִּ֖י מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ ^ו אֶהְיֶ֤ה כַטַּל֙ לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יִפְרַ֖ח כַּשּֽׁוֹשַׁנָּ֑ה וְיַ֥ךְ שָׁרָשָׁ֖יו כַּלְּבָנֽוֹן׃ ^ז יֵֽלְכוּ֙ יֹֽנְקוֹתָ֔יו וִיהִ֥י כַזַּ֖יִת הוֹד֑וֹ וְרֵ֥יחַֽ ל֖וֹ כַּלְּבָנֽוֹן׃ ^ח יָשֻׁ֙בוּ֙ יֹשְׁבֵ֣י בְצִלּ֔וֹ יְחַיּ֥וּ דָגָ֖ן וְיִפְרְח֣וּ כַגָּ֑פֶן זִכְר֖וֹ כְּיֵ֥ין לְבָנֽוֹן׃ (ס)	14 ² Return, O Yisrael, to YHVH your elo’ah, for you have fallen because of your sin. ³ Take words with you and return to YHVH. Say to Hashem: “Forgive all guilt and accept what is good; instead of bulls we will pay [the offering of] our lips. ⁴ Assyria shall not save us, no more will we ride on horses; nor ever again will we call our handiwork our deity, since in you alone orphans find pity!” ⁵ I will heal their affliction, generously will I take them back in love; for my anger has turned away from them. ⁶ I will be to Yisrael like dew; they shall blossom like the lily, they shall strike root like a Lebanon tree. ⁷ their boughs shall spread out far, their beauty shall be like the olive tree’s, their fragrance like that of Lebanon. ⁸ They who sit in their shade shall be revived: they shall bring to life new grain, they shall blossom like the vine; their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

Recordings

Aliyah 1 (Numbers 22:20-22)
https://archive.org/download/torah-and-haftarah-for-rosh-hashanah-labehemah/01%20Aliyah%201.mp3

Aliyah 2 (Numbers 22:23-29)
https://archive.org/download/torah-and-haftarah-for-rosh-hashanah-labehemah/02%20Aliyah%202.mp3

Aliyah 3 (Numbers 22:30-34)
https://archive.org/download/torah-and-haftarah-for-rosh-hashanah-labehemah/03%20Aliyah%203.mp3

Maftir (Numbers 22:35-38)
https://archive.org/download/torah-and-haftarah-for-rosh-hashanah-labehemah/04%20Maftir.mp3

Haftarah (Hosea 2:16-25)
https://archive.org/download/torah-and-haftarah-for-rosh-hashanah-labehemah/05%20Haftara.mp3

Notes

Notes
1	a female donkey.

מי שברך לשלום החולים במגפת נגיף הקורונה | Mi sheBerakh for the Welfare of those Ill from the Coronavirus Epidemic (Schechter Rabbinical Seminary 2020)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:31:32 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
מי שברך אבות־אבותינו, אדם וחוה, נח ומשפחתו, הוא יברך וירפא את החולים במגפה שפוקדת את עולמינו ואותנו הקדוש ברוך הוא ימלא רחמים עליהם להחלימם ולרפאותם ולהחזיקם ולהחיותם וישלח להם מהרה מן השמים רפואת הגוף ורפואת הנפש בתוך שאר החולים.	May the one who blessed our distant ancestors, Adam and Ḥava, Noaḥ and his family, bless ‎and heal those stricken with the coronavirus and the plague that has afflicted us and our ‎world and us. May the blessed Holy One be overcome by mercy for them, so as to heal, ‎restore, strengthen and revive them. Send them complete healing from heaven, to both ‎body and soul, together with all who are ill.‎
מקור החיים, סייע ותמוך בשוהים בבידוד ובמשפחות החולים. אלהי העולמים, אמץ את כוחם של הנאבקים לצד החולים. תן בלב משפחותיהם תקווה ותעצומות נפש; תן בלב רופאיהם וסועדיהם אומץ ורגישות; תן בלב מדעני העולם עצה ותבונה לגבור על הנגיף ותן בליבנו הזדהות וחמלה לתמוך בחולים במשפחותם בקהילותיהם ובמדינותיהם.	Source of life, aid those who are quarantine, and the families of the sick. Elohim of the ‎entire universe, strengthen those who are fighting alongside the ailing. Plant hope and ‎strength of spirit in the hearts of their families; fill the hearts of the physicians and ‎caregivers with courage and sensitivity; grant wisdom and understanding to scientists ‎around the world that they may overcome the virus; and grant us the ability to identify ‎with the sick and their families, communities and nations. ‎
מי יתן ובעת הזו יתאחדו מנהיגי העולם ותושביו לטובה, ויהי אחרי המגפה, יימשך מתוך האבדן חוט של חסד, וישרת בעולמנו אהבה ואחווה ושלום ובריאות. אל נא, רפא להם, ונאמר אמן׃	Grant that world leaders and the residents of all nations come together at this time for the ‎good of all, and after the plague has passed may we extract a thread of compassion from ‎the loss. May love, solidarity, peace and health reign in the world. El, please: heal them, ‎ and let us say, Amen.

Source(s)

mi sheberakh for those ill from the coronavirus (Schechter Rabbinical Seminary 2020)

מי שברך לחולים במגפה | Mi sheBerakh for those ill from the COVID-19 Coronavirus, by Nurit Novis (2020)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 19:57:27 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
מי שברך אבות־אבותינו, אדם וחוה, נח ומשפחתו, הוא יברך וירפא את החולים במגפה שפקדה את ארץ סין ומאיימת על העולם כולו. הקדוש ברוך הוא ימלא רחמים עליהם להחלימם ולרפאותם ולהחזיקם ולהחיותם וישלח להם רפואה שלמה מן השמיים, רפואת הנפש ורפואת הגוף בתוך שאר החולים.	May God who blessed our distant ancestors, Adam and Ḥavah, Noaḥ and his family, bless and heal those stricken with the coronavirus and the plague that has afflicted China and threatens the entire world. May the blessed Holy One be overcome by mercy for them, so as to heal, restore, strengthen and revive them. Send them complete healing from heaven, to both body and soul, together with all who are ill.
אֱלֹהֵי העולמים, אמץ את כוחם של הנאבקים לצד החולים. תן בלב משפחותיהם תקווה ותעצומות נפש; תן בלב רופאיהם וסועדיהם אומץ ורגישות; תן בלב מדעני העולם עצה ותבונה לגבור על הנגיף ותן בליבנו הזדהות וחמלה לתמוך בחולים ובמשפחותיהם, בקהילותיהם ובמדינותיהם.	God of the entire world, strengthen those who are fighting alongside the ailing. Plant hope and strength of spirit in the hearts of their families; fill the hearts of the physicians and caregivers with courage and sensitivity; grant wisdom and understanding to scientists around the world that they may overcome the virus; and grant us the ability to identify with the sick and their families, communities and nations so that we may be filled with compassion and support them.
מי יתן ובעת הזו יתאחדו מנהיגי העולם ותושביו לטובה, ויהי אחרי המגפה, יימשך מתוך האובדן חוט של חסד, וישרה בעולמנו אהבה ואחווה ושלום ובריאות.	Grant that world leaders and the residents of all nations come together at this time for the good of all, and after the plague has passed may we extract a thread of compassion from the loss. May love, solidarity, peace and health reign in the world.
אל נא רפא נא להם, ונאמר אמן.	Please God, please heal them,^[1] cf. Numbers 12:3. and let us say, Amen.

This prayer, composed in response to concerns over the potential for a dangerous pandemic to occur, was written by Nurit Novis and disseminated by the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary via their page on Facebook. Shoshana Michael Zucker translated the prayer into English and shared it via the Open Siddur Project discussion group.

Source(s)

Notes

Notes
1	cf. Numbers 12:3.

תפילה למחסן/ת | Prayer for those Administering Vaccinations (Masorti Movement in Israel 2020)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 22:27:13 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
”אוֹדֶה ה׳ בְּכָל־לֵבָב, בְּסוֹד יְשָׁרִים וְעֵדָה. גְּדֹלִים מַעֲשֵׂי ה׳ דְּרוּשִׁים לְכָל־חֶפְצֵיהֶם“. (תהלים קיא:א-ב)	“I praise YHVH with all my heart in the assembled congregation of the upright. The works of YHVH are great, within reach of all who desire them.” (Psalms 111:1-2)
הָאֵל הָעוֹנֶה בְּעֵת צָרָה וּמוֹשִׁיעַ, הָרֹפֵא לִשְׁבוּרֵי לֵב וּמְחַבֵּשׁ לְעַצְּבוֹתָם (תהלים קמז:ג), שֶׁחָלַק מֵחָכְמָתוֹ לְבָשָׂר וָדָם וְנָתָן בָּנוּ בִּינָה, מַדָּע וְהַשְׂכֵּל לִיצִירַת חִסּוּן זֶה.	El who answers in times of distress and saves, “Healer of broken hearts who binds their wounds” (Psalm 147:3), Who shares divine wisdom with flesh and blood and has given us understanding, science and discernment to create this vaccine:
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ, שֶׁבְּכֹחַ מַעֲשַׂי אֶזְכֶּה לְרַפֵּא וּלְהַצִּיל נֶפֶשׁ כׇּל חָי, וִיקֻיַּם בִּי ”כָל הַמְקַיֵּם נֶפֶשׁ אַחַת… כְּאִלּוּ קִיֵּם עוֹלָם מָלֵא“. (משנה סנהדרין ד:ה) כַּכָּתוּב: ”הִנְנִי מַעֲלֶה־לָּהּ אֲרֻכָה וּמַרְפֵּא וּרְפָאתִים“ (ירמיה לג:ו חלק)	May it be your will that through the power of this act I will merit healing and saving lives of all the living, and be able to fulfill the teaching, “whoever saves a single life… saves an entire world” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5) as it is written “I am going to bring her healing and cure, and I will cure them” (Jeremiah 33:6).
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, רוֹפֵא כׇל בָּשָׂר וּמַפְלִיא לַעֲשׂוֹת.	Blessed are you, who brings healing to all flesh and makes wondrous works.

This prayer, for those administering vaccinations, was offered by the Masorti Movement in Israel and the Knesset haRabanim b’Yisrael. It was shared on 27 December 2020 via the Open Siddur Project Discussion group on Facebook. The English translation was made by Shoshana Michael Zucker with editing by Aharon Varady.

Source(s)

https://www.masorti.org.il/uploads/editor/files/1609060088.pdf

תפילה למתחסן/ת | Prayer for those Receiving Vaccinations (Masorti Movement in Israel 2020)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 20:04:20 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (English)
הָאֵל הָעוֹנֶה בְּעֵת צָרָה וּמוֹשִׁיעַ, הָרֹפֵא לִשְׁבוּרֵי לֵב וּמְחַבֵּשׁ לְעַצְּבוֹתָם (תהלים קמז:ג), שֶׁחָלַק מֵחָכְמָתוֹ לְבָשָׂר וָדָם אֲשֶׁר הֵבִיאוּ לִיצִירַת חִסּוּן זֶה.	El who answers in times of distress and saves, “Healer of broken hearts who binds their wounds” (Psalm 147:3), who shares divine wisdom with flesh and blood that has resulted in the creation of this vaccine:
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ, שֶׁבְּכֹחַ מַעֲשֵׂי אֱנוֹשׁ בְּעֶזְרַת הַחוֹנֵן לְאָדָם דַּעַת וּמְלַמֵּד לֶאֱנוֹשׁ בִּינָה, מַדָּע וְהַשְׂכֵּל אֶזְכֶּה לִבְרִיאוּת וְחֹסֶן וִיקֻיַּם בָּנוּ הַכָּתוּב ”וַהֲסִרֹתִי מַחֲלָה מִקִּרְבֶּךָ“ (שמות כג:כה) ”כִּי אֲנִי ה׳ רֹפְאֶךָ“ (שמות טו:כו). ”יוֹדוּ לַה׳ חַסְדּוֹ וְנִפְלְאוֹתָיו לִבְנֵי אָדָם“. (תהלים קז:ח)	May it be your will that through the power of this human effort aided by God who graciously grants humans knowledge and teaches mortals understanding, science and discernment that I merit health and resilience so that these verses may be fulfilled for us: “I have removed illness from your midst” (Exodus 23:25) “for I, YHVH, are your healer” (Exodus 15:26). “Let them praise YHVH for thon’s kindness and wondrous deeds for humanity” (Psalms 107:8).
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, רוֹפֵא כׇל בָּשָׂר וּמַפְלִיא לַעֲשׂוֹת.	Blessed are you who brings healing to all flesh and makes wondrous works.

This prayer, for those receiving vaccinations, was offered by the Masorti Movement in Israel and the Knesset haRabanim b’Yisrael. It was shared on 27 December 2020 via the Open Siddur Project Discussion group on Facebook. The English translation was made by Shoshana Michael Zucker with editing by Aharon Varady.

Source(s)

https://www.masorti.org.il/uploads/editor/files/1609060088.pdf

📄 סֵדֶר ט״וּ בִּשְׁבָט לִקּוּיֵי הַיָּרֵחַ | A Tu BiShvat Seder Haggadah for the Total Lunar Eclipse, by Rabbi David Seidenberg (neohasid·org, 5779/2019)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 03:09:47 +0000

Hebrew	English
שְׂאוּ מָרוֹם עֵינֵיכֶם וּרְאוּ מִי בָרָא אֵלֶּה	“Lift on high your eyes and see: Who created these?” (Isaiah 40:26)
	Our ancestors often thought of an eclipse as a bad omen, so they did not prescribe a blessing for it. But we understand an eclipse to be a natural marvel that reminds us of the grandeur of Creation, so many now believe that we should say a blessing. Here is one blessing to say for a lunar eclipse — if possible, wait til totality (when the moon turns red) to say it. Otherwise, say it anytime you can see part of the moon already in shadow.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם עֹשֶׂה מַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית׃	Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, the One who makes the masterpiece of Creation! Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha’olam `oseh ma`aseh v’reishit
	A prayer for the total lunar eclipse on Tu BiShvat: As we receive the light of the sun reflected in the face of the moon, may we receive wisdom to guide our future. May we reflect hope, so that we give strength to each other. We are a part of the Earth’s shadow, and a part of the Earth’s atmosphere, which bends the red light of the sun to illuminate the moon. When we cast our own shadow, may we still shine a gentle light to illuminate the world around us. May we be awakened by the grandeur and awe of Your works, so that may we may be filled with courage to heal the Earth from human destruction. May salvation arise for the heavens, and may this full moon of Shevat bring blessing to the fruit trees and to all Life. May we strengthen the Tree of Life with all our actions, so that the sun may shine for blessing, for us and for all life.
	A Tu BiShvat seder under the full moon eclipse Reflections on the eclipse and the moon in Jewish tradition, organized according to the cups of the seder. Some verses related to each cup and its fruit follow each reflection. BLESSINGS (see below): wine: borei peri hagafen fruit: borei peri ha-eits
	I. As a lunar eclipse progresses, the Earth’s shadow takes a bigger and bigger bite out of the moon. But when the eclipse reaches totality, something new happens: all the direct light from the sun is blocked, and the only light reaching the moon passes through Earth’s atmosphere. That light — like the light reaching our eyes at sunset after passing the long way through our atmosphere — is red. In that moment, the color of the moon’s light changes, from the pure white of night, to the red of the setting sun.
מִי זֹאת הַנִּשְׁקָפָה כְּמוֹ־שָׁחַר יָפָ֣ה כַלְּבָנָה בָּרָה כַּֽחַמָּה אֲיֻמָּה כַּנִּדְגָּלֹות׃ אֶל גִּנַּ֤ת אֱגֹוז יָרַדְתִּי לִרְאֹות בְּאִבֵּ֣י הַנָּ֑חַל לִרְאֹות הֲפָֽרְחָה הַגֶּפֶן הֵנֵצוּ הָרִמֹּנִים׃	Who is this radiating like dawn, beautiful like the moon, clear like the sun, awe-inspiring like the arrayed banners of all the stars? I went down to the nut garden, to see the verdure of the riverbed, to see, is the vine flowering? Are the pomegranate blossoms bursting? (Song of Songs 6:10-11)
	II. Our ancestors told a story to explain the difference between the light of the sun and the light of moon. The sun and the moon, they said, were equal sources of light at the beginning of Creation, for it’s written, “God made two great lights.” But then God told the moon to make herself small, as it says, “the great one to rule the day, and the small one to rule the night.” (Talmud Chulin 60b)
	Why? According to the story, the newly created moon saw the sun and said to the Holy One, “Can two rulers share one crown?” God rebuked the moon for this question, and its light became dim compared to the sun. But the moon protested. In the end, God admits that God who sinned against the moon, for it was God who created a world in which two rulers can’t share one crown.
צַדִּיק כַּתָּמָר יִפְרָח כְּאֶ֖רז בַּלְּבָנֹון יִשְׂגֶּה׃	A righteous person will flourish like a date palm, like a Lebanon seder will they thrive. (Psalms 92:12)
	“And the dove came in to the ark at evening, and here, an olive leaf was torn off in her mouth.” (Gen. 8:9) From where did she bring the leaf? The gates of Gan Eden were opened for her… If she came from Eden, wouldn’t she bring something special like cinnamon or balsam? But she hinted to Noah: Better is bitterness from here rather than sweetness from under your hand. (Genesis Rabbah 33:6)
	III. The mystics said, this story teaches that it is up to us to create a new world, where many people can share the crown and rule together, where masculine and feminine, like sun and moon, become equal, where all creatures stand in unique relation to the Holy One. And then the answer to the moon’s question will be “Yes!”, and the moon will be made whole.
	In memory of this story, the liturgy for blessing the waxing moon includes this plea: “May it be Your will YHVH/Adonai, my God and my ancestors’ God, to fill the blemish of the white one levanah (the moon), and may the light of the white one be like the light of the hot one chamah (the sun), and like the light of the seven days of beginning creation, like it was before she was made small.
נֹצֵר תְּאֵנָה יֹאכַל פִּרְיָהּ…	Whoever protects a fig tree gets to eat her fruit… (Prov. 27:18)
אֱלֹהִים צְבָאוֹת שׁוּב נָא הַבֵּט מִשָּׁמַיִם וּרְאֵה וּפְקֹד גֶּפֶן זֹאת:	God of heavenly hosts, turn, please, look out from the heavens, see and remember to steward this vine. (Psalms 80:15)
	IV. During the hour of total eclipse, the moon reflects the color of the sunset, a color of ripeness, and so becomes like the sun, a hint of redemption. Another light is also revealed in a lunar eclipse. Normally, only the brightest stars are visible in a full moon. But as the moon enters our shadow, all the stars blaze alongside her. As we witness this great equalization in the heavens, may we witness a great liberation on the Earth and in the human heart, the dawn of a world where all creatures stand in beauty and grandeur, reflecting the holiness of their Creator.
כַּ֭מַּיִם הַפָּנִים לַפָּנִים כֵּ֤ן לֵב־הָאָדָם לָאָדָם׃	Like the water surface showing a face to one’s face, so is the human heart for a human. (Prov. 27:19)
	R’ Yochanan said: The world was not worthy to make use of the cedars; they were created only for the Temple that makes all holy. (Genesis Rabbah 15:1)
עָשָׂה יָרֵחַ לְמוֹעֲדִים שֶׁמֶשׁ יָדַע מְבוֹאוֹ׃ תָּֽשֶׁת חֹשֶׁךְ וִיהִי לָיְלָה… מָֽה רַבּוּ מַעֲשֶׂיךָ יְֽהוָה כֻּלָּם בְּחָכְמָה עָשִׂיתָ מָלְאָה הָאָרֶץ קִנְיָנֶךָ… תְּשַׁלַּח רוּחֲךָ יִבָּרֵאוּן וּתְחַדֵּשׁ פְּנֵי אֲדָמָה.	Who made the moon for seasons; the sun knew its setting… How diverse are Your works YHVH!… When You send Your Spirit, Your breath, they are created, and You renew the face of the Earth. (Psalms 104:19-24)
	May it be the Holy One’s will that our blessings and pleasure in tasting and witnessing bring blessing to the cosmos and to the fruits, to help restore to its original strength the Tree of Life that sustains all Life.
	A Mini-Tu biShvat seder
	I. wine/juice: WHITE fruits with shells: pomegranate, almond, walnut
	II. wine/juice: WHITE + drop of red fruit with pits: olives, dates, plums, peaches
	III. wine/juice: WHITE + RED wholly edible fruits: apples, grapes, figs, berries
	IV. wine/juice: RED + drop of white tree smells/tastes: cedar, cinnamon, maple syrup
	Blessings to accompany any Tu BiShvat Seder
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגֶּפֶן (הַגָּפֶן)׃	1) Blessing for wine: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates the fruit of the vine. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, borei p’ri ha-gafen.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵץ׃	2) Blessing for tree fruit: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates the fruit of the tree. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha-olam, borei p’ri ha-eits.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה׃	3) Blessing for experiencing something new (Shehechiyanu): Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who has kept us alive and sustained us so that we could reach this moment. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha‑olam, she‑hechiyanu v’kiy’manu v’higi’anu la‑z’man ha‑zeh.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַנּוֹתֵן רֵיחַ טֹוב בַּפֵּרוֹת׃	4) Blessing for smelling ripe fruit: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who puts good scent in fruit. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, hanotein rei’ach tov bapeirot
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא עֲצֵי בְשָֹמִים׃	5) Blessing for other sweet smells: Sweet-smelling trees like cinnamon, tree flowers: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates sweet-smelling trees. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, borei atzei b’samim
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא עִשְֹבֵי בְשָֹמִים׃	Sweet grasses/plants: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates sweet-smelling plants. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, borei isvei b’samim
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים׃	Other sweet smells: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates all kinds of sweet-smells. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam, borei minei b’samim
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא נְפָשׁוֹת רַבּוֹת וְחֶסְרוֹנָן עַל כָּל מַה שֶׁבָּרָאתָ לְהַחֲיוֹת בָּהֶם נֶפֶשׁ כָּל חָי. בָּרוּךְ חַי הָעוֹלָמִים	6) Blessing after eating various fruit and other foods: Blessed be You YHVH/Adonai our God, Ruler of all space and time, who creates so many different living things, all needing each other, for all You created, to give life through them to the Soul of all Life. Blessed be the Life of all worlds. Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha‑olam, borei n’fashot rabot v’chesronan, al kol ma she-barata, l’hachayot bahem nefesh kol chai, barukh chei ha-olamim.

Tu Bishvat 2019 coincides with a total lunar eclipse visible throughout North America, about 11:40-12:40 pm EST, 8:40-9:40 pm on the west coast. Here is a wonderful resource to use for this unique Tu BiShvat, under the red moon of the lunar eclipse, or when you see the beginning of the eclipse.

Source(s)

פסוקים לשנת תשע”ט | Biblical Phrases for 5779, by Daniel Matt

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sun, 09 Sep 2018 20:04:34 +0000

As many of you know, there is a custom to indicate the Hebrew year with a verse (or part of a verse) that is equal to that year in gematriya. Such words or phrases are called chronograms. The practice of indicating the year by a biblical phrase was often followed in traditional sefarim, on tombstones, and more recently has appeared in written correspondence and email. It’s a nice way to give added meaning to the current year. Here are some biblical phrases that equal תשע”ט 779.

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֑ה קוּמָ֣ה׀ יְקֹוָ֗ק (במדבר י:לה) Numbers 10:35

וַיּוֹצִֽאֲךָ֧ בְּפָנָ֛יו בְּכֹח֥וֹ הַגָּדֹ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם (דברים ד:לז) Deut 4:37

לְיִרְאָ֖ה אֶת־יְקֹוָ֣ק אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם (דברים לא:יג) Deuteronomy 31:13

לֹֽא־דָבָ֨ר רֵ֥ק הוּא֙ מִכֶּ֔ם כִּי־ה֖וּא חַיֵּיכֶ֑ם (דברים לב:מז) Deut 32:47

וְהִֽתְפַּֽלְל֞וּ אֶל־הַמָּק֤וֹם (מלכים א ח:לה) 1 Kings 8:35

כִּ֧י מֵאִתִּ֛י נִהְיָ֖ה הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה (מלכים א יב:כד) 1 Kings 12:24

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא אוֹדְךָ֣ יְקֹוָ֔ק (ישעיהו יב:א) Isaiah 12:1

בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא יִפְקֹ֧ד יְקֹוָ֛ק עַל־צְבָ֥א הַמָּר֖וֹם (ישעיהו כד:כא) Isaiah 24:21

בְּשׁוּבָ֤ה וָנַ֙חַת֙ (ישעיהו ל:טו) Isaiah 30:15

וְאָדָ֖ם עָלֶ֣יהָ בָרָ֑אתִי (ישעיהו מה:יב) Isaiah 45:12

כִּי־לֹ֣א תֵב֔וֹשִׁי (ישעיהו נד:ד) Isaiah 54:4

הַנְּבִיאִ֞ים נִבְּא֣וּ־בַשֶּׁ֗קֶר (ירמיהו ה:לא) Jeremiah 5:31

וַהֲשִֽׁיבוֹתִים֙ (זכריה י:י) Zechariah 10:10

אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה שִׁמְךָ֣ עֶלְיֽוֹן (תהלים ט:ג) Psalms 9:3

אֹ֖רְחוֹתֶ֣יךָ לַמְּדֵֽנִי (תהלים כה:ד) Psalms 25:4

אֱלֹהֵ֣י מָֽעוּזִּי֘ לָמָ֪ה זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥נִי (תהלים מג:ב) Psalms 43:2

אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀ חָנֵּ֗נִי כִּ֥י בְךָ֘ חָסָ֪יָה נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י (תהלים נז:ב) Psalms 57:2

יְֽהַלְלוּהוּ שָׁמַ֣יִם וָאָ֑רֶץ (תהלים סט:לה) Psalms 69:35

כִּ֤י אֶ֢לֶף שָׁנִ֡ים בְּֽעֵינֶ֗יךָ כְּי֣וֹם (תהלים צ:ד) Psalms 90:4

שֶׁ֗מֶשׁ יָדַ֥ע מְבוֹאֽוֹ (תהלים קד:יט) Psalms 104:19

ח֣וּלִי אָ֑רֶץ מִ֝לִּפְנֵ֗י אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַעֲקֹֽב (תהלים קיד:ז) Psalms 114:7

הֲ֝בִינֵ֗נִי וְאֶלְמְדָ֥ה מִצְוֺתֶֽיךָ (תהלים קיט:עג) Psalms 119:73

לֵ֣ב נָ֭בוֹן יִקְנֶה־דָּ֑עַת (משלי יח:טו) Proverbs 18:15

דֶּ֤רֶךְ הַנֶּ֨שֶׁר (משלי ל:יט) Proverbs 30:19

וְאֹ֖הֶל רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֵינֶֽנּוּ (איוב ח:כב) Job 8:22

אַךְ־שָׁ֭וְא לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע (איוב לה:יג) Job 35:13

כִּ֛י אֵ֥שֶׁת חַ֖יִל (רות ג:יא) Ruth 3:11

וַתִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד (אסתר ב:ט) Esther 2:9

אָ֥ז יְרַנְּנ֖וּ עֲצֵ֣י הַיָּ֑עַר (דברי הימים א טז:לג) First Chronicles 16:33

וּמִי֙ כְּעַמְּךָ֣ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל גּ֥וֹי אֶחָ֖ד (דברי הימים א יז:כא) First Chronicles 17:21

Dr. Daniel Matt shared this list of chronograms in a Facebook post on 29 August 2018.

💬 Nevertheless She Persisted: A Modern Esther Tribute for Purim and Women’s History Month, by Rabbi David Evan Markus (Bayit, 2018)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 01:01:37 +0000

Purim affirms Esther’s stand against official silencing, abuse of power, misogyny and anti-Semitism. At first an outsider, Queen Esther used her insider power to reveal and thwart official hatred that threatened Jewish life and safety. We celebrate one woman’s courageous cunning to right grievous wrongs within corrupt systems. The archetype of heroic woman standing against hatred continues to call out every society still wrestling with official misogyny, power abuses and silencing. For every official silencing and every threat to equality and freedom, may we all live the lesson of Esther and all who stand in her shoes: “Nevertheless, she persisted.”

Hebrew	English
	Esther 3:12-14
^{12 part} וּמְדִינָה֙ כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ וְעַ֥ם וָעָ֖ם כִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ בְּשֵׁ֨ם הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ֙ נִכְתָּ֔ב וְנֶחְתָּ֖ם בְּטַבַּ֥עַת הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ ¹³ וְנִשְׁל֨וֹחַ סְפָרִ֜ים בְּיַ֣ד הָרָצִים֮ אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ לְהַשְׁמִ֡יד לַהֲרֹ֣ג וּלְאַבֵּ֣ד אֶת־כָּל־הַ֠יְּהוּדִים מִנַּ֨עַר וְעַד־זָקֵ֨ן טַ֤ף וְנָשִׁים֙ בְּי֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר וּשְׁלָלָ֖ם לָבֽוֹז׃ ¹⁴ פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן הַכְּתָ֗ב לְהִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ בְּכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֔ה גָּל֖וּי לְכָל־הָֽעַמִּ֑ים לִהְי֥וֹת עֲתִדִ֖ים לַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה׃	The following o֜rders [of Ham֔an] were iss֖ued in the na֥me of King Achashver֑osh, and s֖ealed with ֥the king’s sig֦net. Co֣uriers disp֗atched written instr֧uctions to all the king’s pr֛ovinces to de֤stroy, m֜assacre and ext֣erminate all the J֔ews, yo֖ung and ol֥d, chil֖dren and wo֑men, on a ֜single d֨ay – the thirteenth d֧ay of the twelfth m֛onth, the m֖onth of Ad֥ar – and pl֖under their possessions.׃ The t֣ext of the doc֕ument was that a l֡aw be procl֧aimed in each prov֛ince, publicly displ֤ayed to all pe֜oples in their o֣wn langu֔ages, so that th֖ey might be re֥ady for that day.׃
	Esther 4:10-14
¹⁰ וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ לַהֲתָ֔ךְ וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי׃ ¹¹ כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ וְעַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר כָּל־אִ֣ישׁ וְאִשָּׁ֡ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָבֽוֹא־אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ֩ אֶל־הֶחָצֵ֨ר הַפְּנִימִ֜ית אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵ֗א אַחַ֤ת דָּתוֹ֙ לְהָמִ֔ית לְ֠בַד מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר יֽוֹשִׁיט־ל֥וֹ הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַזָּהָ֖ב וְחָיָ֑ה וַאֲנִ֗י לֹ֤א נִקְרֵ֙אתי֙ לָב֣וֹא אֶל־הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם׃ ¹² וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְמָרְדֳּכָ֔י אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י אֶסְתֵּֽר׃ {פ}	From the ki֜ng’s c֨astle, Esth֣er told the eun֣uch Hath֗ach to t֖ell her uncl֥e M֑ordechai: All the king’s serv֤ants, and the pe֜ople of the k֣ing’s provi֔nces, kn֖ow that who֥ever, m֖ale or fem֑ale, comes to the k֣ing’s co֗urt with֤out being call֜ed, the l֤aw p֜uts that pers֣on to de֔ath unl֖ess the ki֥ng hold o֖uts the golden scepter.׃ ֧I have not been c֛alled to ֖the king ֥for th֖irty days.׃
¹³ וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מָרְדֳּכַ֖י לְהָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֶסְתֵּ֑ר אַל־תְּדַמִּ֣י בְנַפְשֵׁ֔ךְ לְהִמָּלֵ֥ט בֵּית־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ מִכָּל־הַיְּהוּדִֽים׃ ¹⁴ כִּ֣י אִם־הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ בָּעֵ֣ת הַזֹּאת֒ רֶ֣וַח וְהַצָּלָ֞ה יַעֲמ֤וֹד לַיְּהוּדִים֙ מִמָּק֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר וְאַ֥תְּ וּבֵית־אָבִ֖יךְ תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ וּמִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם־לְעֵ֣ת כָּזֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַמַּלְכֽוּת׃	When M֜ordechai h֨eard Esther’s w֗ords, h֖e se֥nt th֖is r֑eply: Do not th֤ink you can esc֜ape with your lif֔e in the p֖alace mor֥e than ֖all the Jews. If yo֜u stay sile֨nt now, may֤be relief a֣nd deliv֔erance may ֖come to Je֥ws in an֣other pl֑ace, but y֖ou and your father’s h֥ouse will ֖be destroyed.׃ W֣ho kn֞ows: m֧aybe you c֛ame into ֖your powe֥r just for this moment.׃
	Congressional Record: Feb. 7, 2017, S.852-S.855
	[In 2֩017, the U.֤S. Sen֜ate deb֧ated Presid֤ent Donald Tr֜ump’s n֣ominati֔on of Sen֧ator Jefferson S֛essions t֖o b֥e Attorn֖ey General.׃ D֤uring the deb֜ate, Senator Elizab֡eth Warren of Massachus֤etts read this 19֣86 lett֔er from Cor֖etta Scott Ki֥ng, wid֖ow of Dr. Martin Luther King ֑Jr., about S֛essions, whom President Ronald Re֖agan had nomin֥ated for a judgeship.]׃
	Mr. Cha֤irman and me֜mbers of t֣he Com֔mittee: Thank y֧ou for allowing ֛me this opp֤ortunity to expr֜ess my strong oppo֔sition to the nomin֥ation of Jefferson Ses֑sions for a fede֖ral district judges֥hip for the Sout֖hern District of Alabama.׃ My longst֜anding com֨mitment, which I sh֗ared with my hus֤band, M֜artin, to prot֤ect and enh֜ance the rig֣hts of Black Ameri֔cans, righ֣ts which incl֞ude equal ac֧cess to the democratic pr֛ocess, co֖mpels me to t֥estify today.׃ Civil rights lea֤ders, incl֜uding my h֜usband…, have fo֣ught long and h֔ard to achi֧eve free and unf֛ettered ac֖cess to th֥e ballot box.׃ M֜r. Ses֨sions has us֗ed the awesome po֤wer of his office to ch֧ill the free ex֛ercise of the v֞ote by bl֤ack citiz֜ens in the dist֔rict he now s֖eeks to ser֥ve as a fe֖deral judge.׃ This simply ca֩nnot b֖e allow֥ed to happ֑en.׃ Mr. Ses֤sions’ condu֜ct as U.֣S. Attor֔ney, from his politi֜cally-moti֨vated vo֣ting fr֗aud prose֗cutions to his indiffer֤ence toward criminal viol֜ations of ci֣vil righ֔ts laws, indic֞ates that he la֧cks the tempe֛rament, fair֖ness and judg֥ment to be a ֖federal judge….׃
	Bl֤acks still fall far sh֜ort of hav֣ing equal particip֔ation i֥n the ele֥ctoral pro֑cess.׃ Parti֧cularly in the S֛outh, effo֜rts conti֨nue to be m֗ade to d֤eny Bl֜acks ac֣cess to the p֔olls, even where Bl֧acks cons֛titute t֖he majo֥rity of ֖the voters.׃ It has be֣en a lo֣ng, up֣hill struggle to ke֧ep al֛ive the vi֖tal legislat֥ion th֖at prot֑ects the m֖ost fundam֥ental r֖ight to vote.׃ A p֛erson who has ex֤hibited so much ho֜stility to the enfor֣cement of those l֔aws –
	The Pr֖esiding Off֥icer [of the S֑enate in֖terrupt֥ed, saying]:׃ The Sen֞ator i֜s remi֨nded that it i֧s a viola֛tion of Rule X֤IX of the Standing Rul֜es of the Se֔nate to i֖mpute to another Sen֥ator or to o֖ther S֑enators any c֧onduct or m֛otive unw֖orthy or unbec֥oming a Senator.׃
	[Sen֣ator] Warren [s֩aid]: I d֖on’t thi֥nk I quite understand.׃ I am re֤ading a l֜etter from Core֣tta Scott Ki֔ng to the Judi֧ciary Com֛mittee from 19֖86 that was ad֥mitted into the record.׃ I am si֤mply r֜eading w֣hat she wr֔ote about what th֜e nominati֨on of Jeff Sessi֗ons to be a F֖ederal court j֥udge m֑eant and what it would ֖mean in hi֥story for her….׃
	The Pr֜esiding Offi֨cer [interr֗upted and c֖alled o֥n the majo֣rity le֔ader, Se֖nator Mc֥Connell, w֖ho said]:׃ The Se֞nator [fr֣om Massach֗usetts has imp֧ugned the m֛otives and co֖nduct of our coll֥eague fr֣om Alab֑ama, as w֖arned b֥y the Chair.׃ S֜enator W֨arren s֗aid S֤enator S֜essions has us֣ed the awesome po֔wer of h֖is offi֥ce to c֖hill the free e֑xercise o֖f the vot֥e by Bl֖ack citizens.׃ I c֧all the S֛enator to o֖rder under the provi֥sions of R֖ule XIX.׃
	The Presiding Offi֗cer [cal֤led on] the S֜enator fro֣m Massach֔usetts, M֖s. War֥ren, [who s֑aid]: Mr. Pre֞sident, I am surpr֧ised that the wo֛rds of Coretta Scott Ki֖ng are not suit֥able for de֑bate in the U֖nited Sta֥tes Senate.׃ I ask le֧ave of the S֛enate to con֥tinue my remarks.׃
	The Pr֖esiding Offi֥cer [a֑sked]: ֖Is ther֥e objection?׃
	[Senator] McConn֞ell [said]: I obj֡ect.
	The Presiding Offi֜cer [s֗aid]: Obj֧ection is h֛eard. The sen֖ator [from Massach֥usetts] will t֖ake her seat.׃ [He called ֤on] the Sen֜ate maj֣ority le֔ader, M֖r. Mc֥Connell, [wh֖o s֑aid]: Here i֜s what trans֨pired. Se֤nator War֜ren was gi֣ving a lengthy spe֔ech. She had app֖eared to vio֥late the ru֑le. She wa֥s wa֑rned. ׀ She ֖was give֥n an explan֑ation. ׀ Ne֖verthele֥ss, s֖he persisted.׃

The source images for “A Modern Esther Tribute” were first posted at Bayit: Your Jewish Home, here. Digital transcription of the t’amim with the digital text of the speech by Aharon Varady.

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) • the Open Siddur Project ✍ פְּרוֺיֶקְט הַסִּדּוּר הַפָּתוּחַ

📃 Rabbi Yosef vs. the Sorceror, a tale of a miraculous rescue on erev Yom Kippur retold by Rabbi Yehudah heḤasid in RSL Ms. Guenzburg 82 (ca. 12th c.)

Source(s)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Peter Stein on 30 April 2026

Recordings

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. Senate: Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman on 10 September 2025

Recordings

Source(s)

תְּפִלָּה לְיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן וְיוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת | A Prayer for Yom haZikaron and Yom ha-Atsma’ut 5785, by Rabbi Tzachi Lehman (Tzohar 2025)

Source(s)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Pinchus Ciment on 27 March 2025

Recordings

Source(s)

תְּפִלָּה לְהֲשָׁבַת אַחֵינוּ וְאַחְיוֹתֵינוּ אֲשֶׁר בַּשֶּׁבִי | Prayer for the Return of Our Brothers and Sisters from Captivity (Masorti Movement in Israel & Knesset haRabanim b’Yisrael, January 2025)

Source(s)

תפילה למען עם ישראל והחטופים בעת הדלקת נרות חנוכה | Prayer for the People of Israel and the Captives while Kindling the Ḥanukkah Lights, by Rabbi Yuval Cherlow (Tzohar & Atid Le’Otef, 2024)

Source(s)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives: Rabbi Arnold E. Resnicoff on 22 October 2024

תפילה נוכח הרעה מדרום | Mi sheBerakh in the face of the Missiles Falling On Israel (Masorti Movement in Israel 2023)

Source(s)

Prayer on the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel for North American Jews, by Rabbi Ayelet Cohen (T’ruah 2023)

Source(s)

תְּפִלָּה עַל הָעַרְבוּת בְּעַד כׇּל יוֹשְׁבֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל | Prayer on Erev Shabbat for the Sake of All Residents of Israel, by Rebbitsen Hadassah Froman & Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum (2023)

Source(s)

Prayer of the Guest Chaplain of the Georgia State House of Representatives: Rabbi Dr. Miriam Udel on 2 February 2023

Source(s)

תפילת השעה | Prayer of the Moment [after the Neve Yaakov synagogue shooting], by Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch (Knesset haRabanim l’Yisrael 2023)

Source(s)

Prayer for the People of Ukraine, by Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis (Office of the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations, 2022)

Source

כַּפָּרוֹת | Kaparōt (using money dedicated for charity), the ritual for the expiation of offenses before Yom Kippur

Source(s)

Trōpifying English and other Latin Script Language Readings with Masoretic Hebrew cantillation marks (t’amim, trōp)

Index of Associated Characters and Trōp

💬 קריאות לראש השנה לבהמה | Torah and Haftarah Readings for Rosh haShanah la-Behemot on Rosh Ḥodesh Elul

Recordings

מי שברך לשלום החולים במגפת נגיף הקורונה | Mi sheBerakh for the Welfare of those Ill from the Coronavirus Epidemic (Schechter Rabbinical Seminary 2020)

Source(s)

מי שברך לחולים במגפה | Mi sheBerakh for those ill from the COVID-19 Coronavirus, by Nurit Novis (2020)

Source(s)

תפילה למחסן/ת | Prayer for those Administering Vaccinations (Masorti Movement in Israel 2020)

Source(s)

תפילה למתחסן/ת | Prayer for those Receiving Vaccinations (Masorti Movement in Israel 2020)

Source(s)

📄 סֵדֶר ט״וּ בִּשְׁבָט לִקּוּיֵי הַיָּרֵחַ | A Tu BiShvat Seder Haggadah for the Total Lunar Eclipse, by Rabbi David Seidenberg (neohasid·org, 5779/2019)

A Tu BiShvat seder under the full moon eclipse

A Mini-Tu biShvat seder

Blessings to accompany any Tu BiShvat Seder

Source(s)

פסוקים לשנת תשע”ט | Biblical Phrases for 5779, by Daniel Matt

💬 Nevertheless She Persisted: A Modern Esther Tribute for Purim and Women’s History Month, by Rabbi David Evan Markus (Bayit, 2018)

Esther 3:12-14

Esther 4:10-14

Congressional Record: Feb. 7, 2017, S.852-S.855

Source(s)

Recording