For the second week running, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has called for unity and prayer in response to the violence in Israel.
In an email to United Synagogue rabbis, he said: “With every day that passes we hear of further violence in Israel, with the latest wave of shootings and stabbings taking at least three more innocent lives. As I mentioned in my email to you last week, our response must be one of unity and prayer.”
Rabbi Mirvis has written a special prayer to be recited in synagogues this Shabbat.
He said: “Rabbanim may wish to recite tehillim following weekday services and perhaps hold dedicated communal evenings of prayer and reflection which are a powerful way of expressing our heartfelt support for our brethren in Israel.
“I would also ask that this issue be foremost in your thoughts as you prepare your sermons for this coming Shabbat.”
He also announced plans to hold a community-wide service in solidarity with the victims of terror in Israel.
It will be held at Hendon United Synagogue, in north-west London on Sunday.
The Chief Rabbi’s prayer:
Our Father in Heaven,
Rock and Redeemer of Israel,
We come before You in prayer and supplication, at a time when people in Israel going about their daily activities and travels have been victims of senseless and brutal terrorist attacks.
We remember the dead and pray for their souls. We pray for the recovery of the injured.
May You bring tranquillity to Your holy land so that all will live securely with no one to bring terror into their lives. Spread over the inhabitants of Your land the tabernacle of Your peace, as it is written:
I will grant peace in the land, You will lie down and none shall make you afraid . . . And the sword will not pass through your land.”
May You, Almighty God, bless us with a true, just and lasting peace for the entire region.
Provide joy for the land and elation for the City of Jerusalem.”
May He who makes peace in high places, bring peace for us and for all the people of Israel.”
