Read before kindling the Shabbat candles. During this time, we call on God’s many attributes to help and heal, nurture and shelter.
One may also choose to light a yahrzeit, commemorative candle for the neshamot, souls of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered in Washington, D.C.
יוֹצֵר אוֹר
Yotzer Or, Creator of Light, Blessed Holy One, we stand before You, as we kindle the Shabbat Lights.
רַחֲמָן
Rahaman, Merciful One, we stand at the end of another week of heartbreak and violence.
שְׁכִינָה
Shekhinah, Sacred Presence, we stand surrounded by You, as our enemies seek to harm us.
סּוֹמֵךְ נוֹפְלִים
Somekh Noflim, Supporter of the Fallen, we call You to bring comfort to the families of those who were cruelly struck down in a land of freedom.
מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים
Matir Assurim, Freer of Captives, we call You to bring our family members home.
רוֹפֵא חוֹלִים
Rofeh Holim, Healer of the Sick, we call You to repair the bodies and souls of the injured in the ongoing conflict.
אֵל רוֹעִי
El Roi, God my Shepherd, protect us and all Your people Israel from danger and those who would lift their hand against us.
אֲדֹנָי צִדְקֵנוּ
Adonai Tzidkenu, God of Justice, do Your work in Israel and worldwide to raise the weak and bring down the wicked.
נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לָרְעֵבִים
Noten Lehem l’Reevim, God who feeds the hungry, end the pain and suffering of the innocent.
שׁוֹמֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל
Shomer Israel, Guardian of Israel, bring an end to the violence that has consumed our people as we seek to live freely in our land.
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלֹום
Oseh Shalom, Maker of Peace, bring lasting peace to Israel so that we may live together with our neighbors in security and hope.
אוֹר קַדְמוֹן
Or Kadmon, Primordial Light, as the light of creation pierced the void, we pray that these candles will enlighten our hearts and that their glow will penetrate the souls of those who seek to harm us so that they, too, may live in light and hope.
Download a printable version here.
Composed by Rabbi Mordechai Rackover
