Prayers Offered as Honors

Blessing the Torah (ALIYAH)

Those honored with an aliyah ascend the Bima on the left side (as you face the Ark). After you have blessed the Torah you will remain at the lectern during the next aliyah, and then descend on the right side of the Bima. We request that all honorees having an aliyah wear a tallit and kippah (or appropriate head covering) when reciting the blessings.

Torah Blessings (Text) - Click Here

Torah Blessings (Audio) - Click Here

Prayer for our Country:

The prayer for our country may be recited by a guest who is not Jewish. Kippot and tallit are not required to recite this prayer.

Our God and God of our ancestors: We ask Your blessings for our country – for its government, for its leaders and advisors, insights from your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide in our midst.

Creator of all flesh, bless all the inhabitants of our country with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country.

May this land, under Your providence, be an influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom – helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war anymore.” And let us say: Amen.

Prayer for the State of Israel:

The prayer for the State of Israel may be recited in English, Hebrew, or both. This prayer may also be read by a guest who is not Jewish. Kippot and tallit are not required to recite this prayer.

Avinu She-bashamayim, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel: Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them: crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the Land with peace and its inhabitants with lasting joy. And let us say: Amen.

A Prayer for Peace (read responsively):

May we see the day when war and bloodshed cease,

When a great peace will embrace the whole world.

Then nation shall not threaten nation,

and mankind will not again know war;

For all who live on earth shall realize

We have not come into being to hate or to destroy.

We have come into being to praise, to labor, and to love.

Compassionate God, bless the leaders of all nations

With the power of compassion.

Fulfill the promise conveyed in Scripture:

I will bring peace to the land,

And you shall lie down and no one shall terrify you.

I will rid the land of vicious beasts

and it shall not be ravaged by war.

Let love and justice flow like a mighty stream.

Let peace fill the earth as the waters fill the sea.