Israel’s Chief Rabbinate announces world day of prayer and mourning

Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council called for a special day of prayer and mourning, to be held on Monday evening, the first day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

The beginning of each month in the Hebrew calendar is considered a minor holiday in Judaism and thus special prayers are recited on it.

During last week's meeting in the Western Wall tunnels, the council decided to dedicate this upcoming prayer time as a commemoration of 30 days since the outbreak of the war.

“On this day, we will multiply in prayer and supplication before our Father in heaven that he will save us from all trouble and distress, that he will protect our people with his grace, that he will strengthen the Israel Defense Forces and the security forces, and that he will strengthen the hearts of his sons in faith,” the rabbinate stated.

In addition, the council also decided to add special prayers to the daily services, including several chapters of the Psalms and prayers for the health of the soldiers, for the healing of the wounded, and for the safe return of the hostages and the missing.

“It is no secret that last year the people of Israel experienced a great separation and distance,” Chief Rabbi David Lau said.

“Today we see the huge connection in the hearts and we pray that this situation will continue, not only these days, but that we will know how to be together always. Thanks to this, we will ask for the return of the hostages and the missing, recovery for the wounded, comfort for the families of the dead and success for all Israeli soldiers and security forces in their sacred mission to restore peace and tranquility to the cities of Israel and that we may soon be able to see the return of the Lord to Zion,” Rabbi Lau added.

He also said he saw an awakening of interest in faith and religion in Israeli society because of the war.

“There is now a great awakening in the public and a repentance like what happened after the Yom Kippur War. I go on many visits to console the bereaved and see the awakening among the public, even among non-religious families. These are people who do not know and do not come to the synagogues,” Lau said, adding that rabbis and yeshiva students should redouble their efforts in prayer and study in order to reach them.