The Jewish Traveler's Prayer "Tefilat Haderech"
The Traveler's Prayer, Wayfarer's Prayer or, in Hebrew, "Tefilat HaDerech" is the prayer that petitions the Divine for safe journeys. This is an appropriate prayer for sea, air and even long trips in a car.
The blessing is recited at the outset of each journey and is preferably recited standing. Often it is inscribed on Jewish Jewelry pieces and Hamsa Hands instead of the Blessing for the home, or the Shema Prayer. Keep in mind, all forms of travel, involve a degree of danger. Consequently, we say "Tefilat Haderech".
 The prayer in Hebrew reads as follows:
 "Y'hi ratzon milfanekha A-donai E-loheinu ve-lohei avoteinu she-tolikhenu l'shalom v'tatz'idenu l'shalom v'tadrikhenu l'shalom, v'tagi'enu limhoz heftzenu l'hayim ul-simha ul-shalom.
V'tatzilenu mi-kaf kol oyev v'orev v'listim v'hayot ra'ot ba-derekh, u-mi-kol minei pur'aniyot ha-mitrag'shot la-vo la-olam.
V'tishlah b'rakha b'khol ma'a'se yadeinu v'tit'nenu l'hen ul-hesed ul-rahamim b'einekha uv-einei khol ro'einu.
V'tishma kol tahanuneinu ki E-l sho'me'a t'fila v'tahanun ata. Barukh ata A-donai sho'me'a t'fila."
 In English it reads as follows:
"May it be Your will, LORD, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace.
May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth.
May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us.
May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who hears prayer."
 Some laws that apply to the reciting of this particular blessing are found in the Code of Jewish Law or The Shulchan Aruch:
Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 68:1
"Tefilat HaDerech - the wayfarer's prayer cannot be said before somebody has left the city limits; to be defined as seventy and two-thirds Amot 350 meters, after the final house. Instead it should be said one "Miel" or one kilometer from the city limits.
When travelling overnight on a multi-day trip, one is to say Tefilat HaDerech before leaving for the day part of the journey."
Back to Unique Gift Ideas
|
