ISRAEL: A day of prayer

Tuesday is the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tevet, a day of fasting and prayer marking the beginning of the siege on Jerusalem by Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar that led to the destruction of the First Temple three years later.

After Israel's founding, the day also was declared a "Yom Kadish Klali," a general commemoration day for Jews whose exact date of passing is unknown.

Now, there's more to pray for.

Leading rabbis from Israel and abroad are calling to dedicate this year's "Asara B'Tevet" to prayers for the safety of Israeli soldiers and civilians in the line of fire.

Notices on websites and ultra-orthodox newspapers called for prayers and listed verses of Psalms to be recited. Prayer rallies are being held at various locations, and some institutions (Rachel's Tomb) are providing an 800 number and an e-mail address for people to provide the names of soldiers.

Torah scholars will pray for them.

Prayers are also being held at the Western Wall. Watch live here.

-- Batsheva Sobelman in Jerusalem

Image: A letter signed by prominent rabbinical authorities urging people to pray for deliverance from war, danger, drought and all ailments. Credit: Behadrei Haredim, www.bhol.co.il 

Comments

[elihu i]

JACK- YES LET US PRAY FOR THE END OF THOSE ISLAMOPSYCHOTIC BARBARIANS IN GAZA WHO USE
INNOCENT PEOPLE AS HUMAN SHIELDS AND
CONSTANTLY BOMBARD OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE
WITH MISSILES AND MORTARS AND FINALLY LET US
PRAY FOR AN END TO YOUR KNOW NOTHING
BLATHERING AMEN SELA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jack]

Yes, let us pray for those people who we are bombing in their towns today, May they stop being rude by bleeding and cursing and asking for ceasefire and peace before we get rid of our old bombs inventory, May US give us new bombs to replenish our inventory soon, Amen!