By, Rosa Doherty
2 min read
ByRosa Doherty, Rosa Doherty
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has paid tribute to the Queen as she becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch today, surpassing the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
Rabbi Mirvis wished the Queen “congratulations on reaching this historic and special landmark.”
The Queen will have reigned for 63 years and 216 days, breaking the record at around 5.30 this afternoon, the moment on February 6 1952 when she ascended to the throne on the death of her father, George VI.
Prime Minister David Cameron is to lead tributes in the House of Commons and there will be a celebratory flotilla on the River Thames.
The Queen, who is 89, will spend the day carrying out official duties in Scotland.
Rabbi Mirvis said: “The Queen is a truly remarkable and outstanding role model, whom we are blessed to have as our sovereign.
“Our wishes to her come from across the Jewish community in the UK and the Commonwealth, for good health, blessings and continued success for many more years to come.”
He has issued a special prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family that was read in synagogues last Shabbat.
In it, he called on God “to shower His blessings upon her for many more years to come, in good health, in happiness and with fortitude, and may the work of her hands be successful always.”
The prayer in full:
He who gives salvation to kings and dominion unto princes, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom – may he bless Our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles, Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family.
May the supreme King of kings in His mercy preserve the Queen in life, guard her and deliver her from all trouble and sorrow. May he bless and protect Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. May He put a spirit of wisdom and understanding into her heart and into the hearts of all her counsellors, that they may uphold the peace of the realm, advance the welfare of the nation, and deal kindly and justly with all the House of Israel.
May Almighty God, who has seen fit to grant our Sovereign length of days and strength to reign, making her our nation’s longest reigning monarch, continue to shower His blessings upon her for many more years to come, in good health, in happiness and with fortitude, and may the work of her hands be successful always.
In her days and in ours may our Heavenly Father spread the tabernacle of peace over all the dwellers on earth; and may the redeemer come unto Zion; and let us say Amen.
Liberal Judaism have also marked this special occasion with a prayer:
Eternal God, whose dominion embraces the universe, we ask Your blessing for our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, whose reign this week surpassed in years the reign of all other monarchs in this realm. We give thanks for her unwavering duty and commitment, for the dedication with which she has served the citizens of this country and fostered co-operation and unity as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations. And we pray: Long may she reign over us! May she be blessed with health, happiness and peace, as it is written: Blessed be the Eternal One, who delights in His Sovereign, who has set her on the throne and endowed her with wisdom, compassion and peace (based on I Kings 10:9). And let us say: Amen.
Board of Deputies President Jonathan Arkush said: “We would like to send the warm congratulations of the Board of Deputies to her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her becoming the longest reigning monarch. She has served the country with great dedication and has been a true friend of the Jewish community since ascending to the throne 63 years, seven months and two days ago. We hope that she continues to reign in good health for many years to come.”
