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SHABBAT SHALOM

 שבת שלום

 

An Evening Service

For Shabbat and Festivals

(With Yizkor Memorial Service)

prepared by

 

Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.

 

 

An Evening Service for Shabbat and Festivals prepared by Rabbi Lewis Eron for use on Cruise Ships)

 

 

מהו שמע תפלה, אמר רבי פנחס בשם רבי מאיר ורבי ירמיה בשם רבי חייא בר אבא בשעה שישראל מתפללין אין אתה מוצא שכלן מתפללין כאחד, אלא כל כנסיה וכנסיה מתפללת בפני עצמה, הכנסת הזו תחלה ואחר כך הכנסת האחרת, ומאחר שכל הכנסיות גומרות כל התפלות המלאך הממנה על התפלות נוטל כל התפלות שהתפללו בכל הכנסיות כלן ועושה אותן עטרות ונותנן בראשו של הקדוש ברוך הוא

 

What is the meaning of the passage “You who hears prayer” (Psalm 60:3)?  Rabbi Pinchas in the name of Rabbi Meir and Rabbi Jeremiah said in the name of Rabbi Hiyya ben Abba, “When Israel prays, they do not pray all at once.  Rather each congregation prays separately, first one, then the other.  After all the congregations finish all their prayers, the angel who oversees prayer takes all the prayers that were said in all the synagogues, and makes them into garlands and places them as a crown on the head of the Holy One. (Exodus Rabbah 21:4)

 

Hinei Mah Tov

 

הִנֵּה מַה־טּוֹב וּמַה־נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אַחִים גַּם־יָחַד:

Hinei mah tov umah na’im shevet achim gam yachad.

How good and pleasant it is when people live together as one family!

 

Bim Bom

(for Shabbat)

 

בִּים בּוֹם, בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

טשירי בּירי בּירי

Bim bom, Bim bim bim bom

Bim bim bim bim bim – Bom

chiri biri biri

בִּים בּוֹם, בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

 

Bim bom, Bim bim bim bom

Bim bim bim bim bim – Bom

שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם, הֵי!  

שַׁבָּת שַׁלוֹם, הֵי!  

שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם  (2X)

Shabbat Shalom, Hey!

Shabbat Shalom, Hey!

Shabbat, Shabbat, Shabbat, Shabbat Shalom. (2X)

שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם (2X)

 

Shabbat, Shabbat, Shabbat,

Shabbat Shalom (2X)

שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם, הֵי!  

שַׁבָּת שַׁלוֹם, הֵי!  

שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם

 

Shabbat Shalom, Hey!

Shabbat Shalom, Hey!

Shabbat, Shabbat, Shabbat, Shabbat Shalom.

בִּים בּוֹם, בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בִּים בּוֹם

Bim bom, Bim bim bim bom

Bim bim bim bim bim – bom

 

Candle Lighting

 

כמו מכהה היום,

וכשהשמש שוקעת,

ומתפשט החושך על פני הרקיע,

אנו נפרדים מן הדאגות של השבוע שעבר,

ומברכים את השבת עם אור:

As the day grows dim,

And the sun sets,

And darkness spreads across the sky,

We bid farewell to the cares of the week

And welcome the Shabbat with light:

עם אור של אהבה,

ואור של שמחה,

עם אור של תקווה וזיכרון,

נהיה מבורכים ביום המנוחה הבא,

כפי שאנו מדליקים

את הנרות של שבת.

With the light of love,

and the light of joy,

The light of hope, and memory,

May we be blessed on this day of rest

As we kindle our Shabbat lights.

(Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר[1] שֶׁל שַׁבָּת[2] שֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב [3] שֶׁל שַׁבָּת וְשֶׁל יוֹם טוֹב.

 

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir [1]  shel shabat [2] shel yom tov [or 3] shel Shabbat ve shel yom tov.

We bless and praise You, our Eternal God, Ruler of All, for You have shown us the ways to holiness through Your mitzvot, directives, and have directed us to light the lights of (1) Shabbat (2) our Festival (or 3) Shabbat and our Festival.

 

Mah Tovu

 

Mah tovu ohalecha ya-akov, mishk'notecha yisra-eil.

מַה טֹּֽבוּ אֹהָלֶֽיךָ יַעֲקֹב, מְִשְׁכְּנתֶֽיךָ יִשְרָאֵל.

 

How beautiful are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.

 

 

Shalom Aleichem

(for Shabbat)

 

Jewish tradition tells us that as the Shabbat approaches, God sends two angels, messengers, from heaven down to our world. We greet them with the words, “Shalom Aleichem” which means “Peace to You.” We ask God’s angels to bless us, and, after that, we wish them well.

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן,

מִמֶּֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Shalom aleikhem, malakhei ha-shareit, malakhei Elyon,

mimelekh malkhei ha-melachim

ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu.

בּוֹאֲכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן,

מִמֶּֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Bo'akhem l'shalom, malachei ha-shalom, malakhei Elyon,

mimelekh malkhei ha-melachim

ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu.

 

בָּרְכֽוּנִי לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן,

מִמֶּֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Barekhuni leshalom, malakhei ha-shalom, malakhei Elyon,

mimelekh malkhei ha-melachim

ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu.

צֵאתְכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם,מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן,

מִמֶּֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Tzeitkhem l'shalom, malakhei ha-shalom, malakhei Elyon,

mimelekh malkhei ha-melachim

ha-Kadosh Baruch Hu.

 

Come in peace, dear angels of peace, angels of the Most High, and bless us with peace on this day of peace, angels of the Most High.

 

Shabbat HaMalkah

(for Shabbat)

הַחַמָּה מֵרֹאשׁ הַאִילָנוֹת נִסְתַּלְקָה

הַחַמָּה מֵרֹאשׁ הַאִילָנוֹת נִסְתַּלְקָה

הִנֵּה הִיא יוֹרֶדֶת, הַקְּדוֹשָׁה, הַבְּרוּכָה,

וְעִמָּהּ מַלְאָכִים צְבָא שָׁלוֹם וּמְנוּחָה,

בֹּאִי בֹּאִי, הַמַּלְכָּה!

בֹּאִי בֹּאִי, הַכַּלָּה!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם!

Hachamah meirosh ha’eelanot neestalqah,

Bo'u veneitzei leeqrat Shabbat hamalchah,

Heenei hee yoredet haqedoshah, haberuchah

Ve’eemah mal'acheem tzevah shalom umnuchah,

Bo'ee, bo'ee hamalkah!

Bo'ee, bo'ee hakalah!

Shalom aleichem mal'achei hashalom!

The sun on the treetops no longer is seen,

Come gather to welcome the Sabbath, our queen.

Behold her descending, the holy, the blest,

And with her the angels of peace and of rest.

Draw near, O Queen, and here abide,

Draw near, draw near, O Sabbath bride.

Peace also to you, you angels of peace. (H.N. Bialik)

L’chu N’ran’nah

(for Shabbat)

לְכוּ נְרַנְּנָה לַייָ,

נָרִֽיעָה לְצוּר יִשְׁעֵֽנוּ.

L’chu n'ran'nah l’Adonai,

nari-ah l'tzur yisheinu.

נְקַדְּמָה פָנָיו בְּתוֹדָה,

בִּזְמִרוֹת נָרִֽיעַ לוֹ.

N'kad'mah fanav b'todah,

bizmirot nari-a lo.

 

O Come, let us sing to the Eternal!

Let us call in joy to the rock of our salvation! (Psalm 95:1)

 

Yismechoo Ha-shamayim

(for Shabbat)

יִשְׂמְחוּ הַשָּׁמַֽיִם וְתָגֵל הָאָֽרֶץ

Yis-me-choo ha-sha-ma-yeem

ve-ta-gail ha-a-retz,

יִרְעַם הַיָּם וּמְלֹאוֹ:

Yi-ram ha-yam, oo-me-lo-o.

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad;

Let the sea and all that fills it sing praises! (Psalm 96:11)

 

 

Lekha Dodi

(for Shabbat)

Oh come, dear friends, let’s meet the bride

The Shabbat princess will here abide.

 

לְכָה דוֹדִי לִקְרַאת כַּלָּה.

פְּנֵי שַׁבָּת נְקַבְּלָה:

Lekha dodi likrat kala,

penei Shabbat nekabela.

שָׁמוֹר וְזָכוֹר בְּדִבּוּר אֶחָד,

הִשְמִיעָֽנוּ אֵל הַמְּיֻחָד,

יְיָ אֶחָד וּשְׁמוֹ אֶחָד,

לְשֵׁם וּלְתִפְאֶֽרֶת וְלִתְהִלָּה.

Shamor v’zakor b’dibur echad,

hishmianu El hamyuchad.

Adonai echad ushe-mo echad,

L’shem ultiferet vlihi-ah.

לִקְרַאת שַׁבָּת לְכוּ וְנֵלְכָה,

כִּי הִיא מְקוֹר הַבְּרָכָה,

מֵרֹאשׁ מִקֶּֽדֶם נְסוּכָה,

סוֹף מַעֲשֶׂה בְּמַחֲשָׁבָה תְּחִלָּה.

Likrat Shabbat lechu v’neilchah,

Ki hi m’kor haberakhah,

mei-rosh mikedem nesukah,

sof ma’aseh bemachashavah tehilah.

לְכָה דוֹדִי  . . .

Lekha dodi . . .

בּֽוֹאִי בְשָׁלוֹם עֲטֶרֶת בַּעְלָהּ.

גַּם בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְצָהֳלָה.

תּוֹךְ אֱמוּנֵי עַם סְגֻּלָּה.

בּֽוֹאִי כַלָּה, בּֽוֹאִי כַלָּה:

Boi veshalom ateret bala

Gam besimcha uvetsohola

Tokh emunei am segula

Boi khala; boi khala

לְכָה דוֹדִי  . . .

Lekha dodi . . .

Oh come, dear friends, let’s meet the bride

The Shabbat princess will here abide.

 

“Keep” and “Observe” were spoken as one word

When the unique God’s expression was first heard.

The Eternal is one, as is God’s name,

As we God’s glory, God’s praises, God’s reputation proclaim.

 

Come, let us go to greet the Shabbat, our Queen

The fountain of blessing, as we have seen,

Flowing forth from old, the start of creation.

The world’s completion but God’s first contemplation

 

Come in peace for your God’s coronation

Come in joy and in jubilation.

In the heart of the faithful, God’s cherished people, abide!

Now come dear bride!  Now come dear bride!

(Translation - Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat

(for Shabbat)

 

מִזְמוֹר שִׁיר לְיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת. טוֹב לְהֹדוֹת לַייָ, וּלְזַמֵּר לְשִׁמְךָ עֶלְיוֹן.

Mizmor shir l'yom hashabat. Tov l'hodot l’Adonai, ul'zameir l'shimcha elyon.

 

A Psalm, a song for the Shabbat: It is good to exalt the Eternal, to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High. (Psalm 92:1)

Tzadik Katamar

(for Shabbat)

 

צַדִּיק כַּתָּמָר יִפְרָח, כְּאֶֽרֶז בַּלְּבָנוֹן יִשְׂגֶּה. שְׁתוּלִים בְּבֵית יְיָ, בְּחַצְרוֹת אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ יַפְרִֽיחוּ. עוֹד יְנוּבוּן בְּשֵׂיבָה, דְּשֵׁנִים וְרַעֲנַנִּים יִהְיוּ. לְהַגִּיד כִּי יָשָׁר יְיָ, צוּרִי וְלֹא עַוְלָֽתָה בּוֹ.

Tzadik katamar yifrach, k'erez bal'vanon yisgeh. Sh'tulim  b'veit Adonai, b'chatzrot Eloheinu   yafrichu. Od y'nuvun b'seivah,  d'sheinim v'ra-ananim yihyu. L'hagid ki yashar Adonai, tzuri v'lo avlatah bo.

 

The righteous will flourish like the date palm,

They will grow tall as a cedar in Lebanon.

Planted in the House of the Eternal,

They will flourish in the courtyards of our God.

They will remain fruitful in old age,

They will be ever vigorous and fresh.

To declare the uprighteousness of the Eternal,

My Rock in whom there is nothing amiss. (Psalm 92: 12-15)

 

Bar’chu - The Call to Prayer

 

בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְיָ הַמְבוֹרָךְ:

Bar'chu et Adonai hamvorach.

בָּרוּךְ יְיָ הַמְבוֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

Baruch Adonai ham'vorach l'olam va-ed.

 

Bless the Blessed Eternal God!

The Blessed Eternal God is blessed both now and forever!

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֶלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר בִּדְבָרוֹ מַעֲרִיב עֲרָבִים, בְּחָכְמָה פּוֹתֵֽחַ שְׁעָרִים, וּבִתְבוּנָה מְשַׁנֶּה עִתִּים, וּמַחֲלִיף אֶת הַזְּמַנִּים, וּמְסַדֵּר אֶת הַכּוֹכָבִים, בְּמִשְׁמְרוֹתֵיהֶם בָּרָקִֽיעַ כְּרְצוֹנוֹ. בּוֹרֵא יוֹם וָלָֽיְלָה, גּוֹלֵל אוֹר מִפְּנֵי חֽשֶׁךְ, וְחֽשֶׁךְ מִפְּנֵי אוֹר וּמַעֲבִיר יוֹם וּמֵֽבִיא לָֽיְלָה, וּמַבְדִּיל בֵּין יוֹם וּבֵין לָֽיְלָה, יְיָ צְבָאוֹת שְׁמוֹ. אֵל חַי וְקַיָּם, תָּמִיד יִמְלוֹךְ עָלֵֽינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמַעֲרִיב עֲרָבִים:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher bidvaro ma-ariv aravim, b'choch'mah potei-ach sh'arim, uvitvunah m'shaneh itim, umachalif et haz'manim, um'sadeir et hakochavim b'mishm'roteihem baraki-a kirtzono.  Borei yom valay'lah, goleil  or mip'nei choshech, v'choshech mip'nei or. Uma-avir yom umeivi lay'lah, umavdil bein yom uvein lay'lah, Adonai tz'va-ot sh'mo.  Eil chai v'kayam, tamid yimloch aleinu l'olam va-ed.  Baruch atah Adonai, hama-ariv aravim.

 

We bless and praise You, our Eternal God, Ruler of All, who, by speaking, brings on the evening.  With wisdom, You open the gates of night.  With understanding, You cause time to pass, changing the hours in succession and ordering the paths of the stars through heaven’s abyss according to Your will.  You create day and night.  You roll light away before darkness and then darkness before light.  You cause twilight to fall and then bring on darkness, for You have separated day from night.  Adonai Tz’vaot, Commander of Heaven’s Hosts, is Your name.  Everlasting God, may Your reign over us last beyond eternity.  We bless and praise You, Eternal One, who brings on the evening.

אַהֲבַת עוֹלָם בֵּית יִשְׁרָאֵל עַמְּךָ אָהָֽבְתָּ, תּוֹרָה וּמִצְוֹת, חֻקִּים וּמִשְׁפָּטִים, אוֹתָֽנוּ לִמַֽדְתָּ עַל כֵּן יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, בְּשָׁכְבֵֽנוּ וּבְקוּמֵֽנוּ נָשִֽׂיחַ בְּחֻקֶּיךָ, וְנִשְׂמַח בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָתֶֽךָ וּבְמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Ahavat olam beit yisra-eil am'cha ahav'ta, torah umitzvot, chukim umishpatim otanu limadta.  Al kein Adonai Eloheinu, b'shoch'veinu uv'kumeinu nasi-ach b'chukecha, v'nismach b'divrei toratecha uv'mitzvatecha l'olam va-ed. 

כִּי הֵם חַיֵּֽינוּ וְאֹֽרֶךְ יָמֵֽינו, וּבָהֶם נֶהְגֶּה יוֹמָם וָלָֽיְלָה, וְאַהֲבָתְךָ אַל תָּסִיר מִמֶּֽנּוּ לְעוֹלָמִים. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אוֹהֵב עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל:

 

Ki heim chayeinu v'orech yameinu, uvahem nehgeh yomam valay'lah.  V'ahavat'cha al tasir mimenu l'olamim.  Baruch atah Adonai, oheiv amo yisra-eil.

 

The love that You have shown us, Your people Israel, has no end.  We feel it through the Torah, which You have graciously taught us – its directives, its decrees and its precepts.  Therefore, Eternal One, our God, we will speak about Your decrees when we lie down and when we rise up.  We will rejoice in Your Torah and in its directives for time without end because they are our life and the length of our days, speaking of them day and night.  Dear God, never turn aside Your love from us.  We bless and praise You, Dear God, who binds us to You through bonds of love. 

 

Shema

 

שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָֹ֥ה אֶחָֽד:

Sh'ma Yisra-eil, Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

Baruch sheim k'vod malchuto l'olam va-ed.

 

Listen well, people of Israel, the Eternal is our God,

the Eternal One Alone!

Blessed be the glorious name of God’s Dominion now and forever!

 

וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהוָֹ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ בְּכָל־לְבָֽבְךָ֥ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶֽךָ: וְהָי֞וּ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָֽנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם עַל־לְבָבֶֽךָ: וְשִׁנַּנְתָּ֣ם לְבָנֶ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ֖ בָּ֑ם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤ בְּבֵיתֶ֨ךָ֙ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣ בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וּֽבְשָׁכְבְּךָ֖ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ: וּקְשַׁרְתָּ֥ם לְא֖וֹת עַל־יָדֶ֑ךָ וְהָי֥וּ לְטֹֽטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֥ין עֵינֶֽיךָ: וּכְתַבְתָּ֛ם עַל־מְזֻז֥וֹת בֵּיתֶ֖ךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ:

V'ahavta eit Adonai elohecha, b'chol l'vav'cha, uv'chol nafsh'cha, uv'chol m'odecha.  V'hayu had'varim ha-eileh, asher anochi m'tzav'cha hayom, al l'vavecha.  V'shinantam l'vanecha, v'dibarta bam, b'shivt'cha b'veitecha, uv'lecht'cha vaderech, uv'shochb'cha, uv'kumecha.  Uk'shartam l'ot al yadecha, v'hayu l'totafot bein einecha.  Uch'tavtam al m'zuzot beitecha uvisharecha.

 

You will love the Eternal, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might, so that these words, which I command you today, shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them to your children.  You shall speak of them when you are at home, when you are on your way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as a sign on your arm, and they shall be a sign upon your brow.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

לְמַ֣עַן תִּזְכְּר֔וּ וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֹתָ֑י וִֽהְיִיתֶ֥ם קְדֹשִׁ֖ים לֵאלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם: אֲנִ֞י יְהוָֹ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם.  יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם אֶמֶת . . .

 

L'ma-an tizk'ru va-asitem et kol mitzvotay, vihyitem k'doshim leiloheichem.  Ani Adonai eloheichem, asher hotzeiti etchem mei-eretz mitzrayim, lihyot lachem leilohim, ani Adonai eloheichem.  Adonai eloheichem emet .  .  .
 

Therefore, remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God.  I am the Eternal your God who led you out of the Land of Egypt to be your God.  I am the Eternal your God. (Numbers 15:40-41)

 

The Song of Freedom

 

When did we leave Egypt

And when did Egypt leave us?

When were the chains of slavery broken

And when did we finally truly feel free?

 

Freedom came in steps

It was part of the journey

From Egypt to Canaan

Our people took

And we can still take.

 

Freedom is courage and hope and clear vision

Freedom is walking to places we can’t see

Freedom is knowing that we can find food in the desert

Freedom is feeling safe though our houses are booths

Freedom is choosing good rules to live by

And freedom is singing our very own song.

 

So with Moses and Miriam and all those who went with them,

With all those before us who brought us to today

We still sing these words, our first words of freedom

“Freedom is having no sovereign but God.”

 (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

מִי כָמֹֽכָה בָּאֵלִם יְיָ,

Mi chamochah ba-eilim Adonai,

מִי כָּמֹֽכָה נֶאְדָּר בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ,

Mi kamochah nedar bakodesh,

נוֹרָא תְהִלֹּת עֹֽשֵׂה פֶֽלֶא.

Nora t'hilot, Oseih fele.

 

Who is like You, Eternal One, among the divinities?

Who is like You, glorious in holiness,

Awesome, praiseworthy, the One who brings forth wonders? (Exodus 15:11)

מַלְכוּתְךָ רָאוּ בָנֶֽיךָ, בּוֹקֵֽעַ יָם לִפְנֵי משֶׁה, זֶה אֵלִי עָנוּ וְאָמְרוּ:

Malchootecha ra’oo vanecha, bokay'a yam leefnay Moshe, “Zeh 'Aylee”, anoo v’amroo.

Your children first experienced Your dominion when You split the sea in the presence of Moses.  “This is my God,” they declared and they proudly proclaimed:

יְיָ יִמְלֹךְ לְעוֹלֶָם וָעֶד.

“Adonai yim'loach l'olahm va'ed.”

“The Eternal will reign forever and ever!” (Exodus 15:18)

וְנֶאֱמַר: כִּי פָדָה יְיָ אֶת יַעֲקֹב, וּגְאָלוֹ מִיַּד חָזָק מִמֶּֽנּוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, גָּאַל יִשְׂרָאֵל:​

 

V'ne’emar: Kee fadah Adonai et Ya'akov, oog’alo meeyad chazak meemenoo.  Barooch 'atah Adonai, ga’ahl Yisra’ayl.

For the Eternal has redeemed Jacob and rescued him from the hand of one stronger than he.  (Jeremiah 31:11) We bless and praise You, Dear God, Redeemer of Israel.

הַשְׁכִּיבֵֽנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְהַעֲמִידֵֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ לְחַיִּים וּפְרוֹשׂ עָלֵֽינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶֽךָ, וְתַקְּנֵֽנוּ בְּעֵצָה טוֹבָה מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ לְמַֽעַן שְׁמֶֽךָ, וְהָגֵן בַּעַדֵֽנוּ, וְהָסֵר מֵעָלֵֽינוּ אוֹיֵב, דֶֽבֶר, וְחֶֽרֶב, וְרָעָב וְיָגוֹן, וְהָסֵר שָׂטָן מִלְפָנֵֽֽינוּ וּמֵאַחֲרֵֽנוּ, וּבְצֵל כְּנָפֶֽיךָ תַּסְתִּירֵֽנוּ.

 

Hashkiveinu Adonai Eloheinu l'shalom, v'ha-amideinu malkeinu l'chayim, uf'ros aleinu sukat sh'lomecha, v'tak'neinu b'eitzah tovah mil'fanecha, v'hoshi-einu l'ma-an sh'mecha.  V'hagein ba-adeinu, v'haseir mei-aleinu oyeiv, dever, v'cherev, v'ra-av, v'yagon, v'haseir satan mil'faneinu umei-achareinu, uv'tzeil k'nafecha tastireinu,

כִּי אֵל שׁוֹמְרֵֽנוּ וּמַצִּילֵֽנוּ אָֽתָּה, כִּי אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָֽתָּה, וּשְׁמוֹר צֵאתֵֽנוּ וּבוֹאֵֽנוּ, לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם, מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם. וּפְרֹשׂ עָלֵֽינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶֽךָ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַפּוֹרֵשׂ סֻכַּת שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל יְִרוּשָׂלָֽיִם.

ki eil shom'reinu umatzileinu atah, ki eil melech chanun v'rachum atah.  Ush'mor tzeiteinu uvoeinu, l'chayim ul'shalom, mei-atah v'ad olam.  Uf'ros aleinu sukat sh'lomecha.  Baruch atah Adonai, haporeis sukat shalom aleinu v'al kol amo yisra-eil v'al y'rushalayim.

Loving and Protecting God, help us go to sleep in peace and awaken us to life. Spread over us Your tent of peace. Guide us with Your good counsel.  Save us for the sake of Your name.

 

Shield us and shelter us from enemies and disease, from war and famine and from suffering of all kinds. Remove all sources of temptation from our lives.  Protect us in the shadow of Your wings because You, our divine source of protection and deliverance, are a kindly and compassionate defender.

 

Cover us with you sukkah, canopy, of peace, so that whenever we go out and whenever we come home, we experience your gift of peace.

 

You are truly to be praised as the Sovereign God of Peace who unfolds Your sukkah, canopy, of peace over us, over Israel, over Jerusalem and over all Your creation.

Proclaiming the Festival

 

(For Shabbat)

וְשָׁמְרוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת, לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת הַַשַּׁבָּת לְדֹרֹתָם בְּרִית עוֹלָם: בֵּינִי וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹת הִיא לְעוֹלָם, כִּי שֵֽׁשֶׁת יָמִים עָשָׂה יְיָ אֶת הַשָּׁמַֽיִם וְאֶת הָאָֽרֶץ, וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שָׁבַת וַיִנָּפַשׁ.

V'sham'ru v'nei yisra-eil et hashabat, la-asot et hashabat l'dorotam b'rit olam.  Beini uvein b'nei yisra-eil ot hi l'olam, ki sheishet yamim asah Adonai et hashamayim v'et ha-aretz, uvayom hashvii shavat vayinafash.

The Children of Israel will preserve the Shabbat in order to observe that holy day as an everlasting covenant over all their generations.  The Shabbat is an eternal sign between God and the Children of Israel, because in the course of six days the Eternal God made the heaven and the earth, and on the seventh day God rested and was refreshed.  (Exodus 31:16-17)

 

(For the Festivals)

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶת־מֹעֲדֵי יְיָ אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל:

 

Vay'dabeir mosheh et moadei  Adonai, el b'nei yisra-eil.  
   

And Moses declared the Eternal’s Festivals to the Israelites. (Leviticus 23:44)

 

Cheitzei Kaddish

יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא. בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ, וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ בְּחַיֵּיכוֹן וּבְיוֹמֵיכוֹן וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

Yitgadal v'yitkadash sh'meih raba.  B'al'ma di v'ra chiruteih, v'yamlich malchuteih b'chayeichon uv'yomeichon uv'chayei d'chol beit yisra-eil, ba-agala uvizman kariv, v'imru amein.

יְהֵא שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא מְבָרַךְ לְעָלַם וּלְעָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא:

Y'hei sh'meih raba m'varach l'alam ul'al'mei al'maya.

יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִשְׁתַּבַּח וְיִתְפָּאַר וְיִתְרוֹמַם וְיִתְנַשֵּׂא וְיִתְהַדָּר וְיִתְעַלֶּה וְיִתְהַלָּל שְׁמֵהּ דְּקֻדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא. לְעֵֽלָּא וּלְעֵלָּא מִכָּל בִּרְכָתָא וְשִׁירָתָא, תֻּשְׁבְּחָתָא וְנֶחֱמָתָא, דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְמָא, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

Yitbarach v'yishtabach v'yitpa-ar v'yitromam v'yitnasei v'yithadar v'yitaleh v'yithalal sh'meih d'kudsha b'rich hu, l'eila ul'eila min kol birchata v'shirata tushb'chata v'nechemata, da-amiran b'al'ma, v'imru amein.

May God’s name be made great and holy in the world, which God created according to His will.  May God’s dominion become real in your lives and throughout your days and in the life of all Israel and may this happen speedily and soon and let us say, “Amen!”

 

May God’s exalted name be blessed in this and in all worlds forever!

 

May the Blessed One’s holy name be blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, proclaimed, glorified, elevated, and lauded well beyond all the words of blessing, song, praise and consolation that we can utter in this world and let us say, “Amen!”

 

HaTifilah

 

אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ:


Adonay s'fatai tiftach, ufi yagid t'hilatecha. 

 

O Dear God, open now my lips,

so that my mouth may declare Your praises! (Psalm 51:17)

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ וְאִמּוֹתֵינוּ, אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם, אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק, וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב, אֱלֹהֵי שָׂרָה, אֱלֹהֵי רִבְקָה, אֱלֹהֵי לֵאָה, וֵאלֹהֵי רָחֵל.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu veilohei avoteinu vimoteinu, elohei Avraham, elohei Yitzchak, veilohei Ya-akov, elohei Sarah, elohei Rivka, elohei Leia, veilohei Racheil.

הָאֵל הַגָּדוֹל הַגִּבּוֹר וְהַנּוֹרָא, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, גּוֹמֵל חֲסָדִים טוֹבִים, וְקוֹנֵה הַכֹּל, וְזוֹכֵר חַסְדֵי אָבוֹת וְאִמַהוֹת, וּמֵבִיא גְאֻלָּה לִבְנֵי בְנֵיהֶם לְמַעַן שְׁמוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה:

Ha-eil hagadol hagibor v'hanora, eil elyon, gomeil chasadim tovim, v'koneih hakol, v'zocheir chasdei avot v’imahot,

umeivi g’ula livnei v'neihem, l'ma-an sh'mo b'ahavah.

 

[שבת שובה:] זָכְרֵֽנוּ לְחַיִּים, מֶֽלֶךְ חָפֵץ בַּחַיִּים, וְכָתְבֵֽנוּ בְּסֵֽפֶר הַחַיִּים, לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים.

(Shabbat Shuva) Zoch'reinu l'chayim, melech chafeitz bachayim, v'chot'veinu b'seifer hachayim, l'ma-ancha elohim chayim.

מֶֽלֶךְ עוֹזֵר וּמוֹשִֽׁיעַ וּמָגֵן: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מָגֵן אַבְרָהָם וְעֶזְרַת שָׂרָה:

Melech ozeir umoshi-a umagein.  Baruch atah Adonai, magein Avraham ve-ezrat Sarah.

We bless and praise You, Eternal One, our God and God of our ancestors; God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, God of Sarah, God of Rebecca, God of Rachel and God of Leah.  You are the great, mighty and awesome God.  You are God most high.  You are the source of all good deeds of loving-kindness, the one who establishes all.  You recall the devotion of our ancestors, and with love You will bring redemption to their children’s children, for the sake of Your name.  [Shabbat Shuva Remember us to life, Sovereign God who delights in life, and inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, O God of Life!]  You are the Sovereign One who aids, saves and protects.  We bless and praise You, Eternal One, Abraham’s shield and Sarah’s help.

אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר לְעוֹלָם אֲדֹנָי, מְחַיֵּה הַכֹּל אַֽתָּה, רַב לְהוֹשִֽׁיעַ:  מְכַלְכֵּל חַיִּים בְּחֶֽסֶד, מְחַיֵּה הַכֹּל בְּרַחֲמִים רַבִּים, סוֹמֵךְ נוֹפְלִים, וְרוֹפֵא חוֹלִים,

 

Atah gibor l'olam adonay, m'chayeih hakol atah, rav l'hoshi-a.  M'chalkeil chayim b'chesed, m'chayeih hakol b'rachamim rabim, someich nof'lim, v'rofei cholim,

וּמַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים, וּמְקַיֵּם אֱמוּנָתוֹ לִישֵׁנֵי עָפָר, מִי כָמֽוֹךָ בַּֽעַל גְּבוּרוֹת וּמִי דֽוֹמֶה לָּךְ, מֶֽלֶךְ מֵמִית וּמְחַיֶּה וּמַצְמִֽיחַ יְשׁוּעָה:

umatir asurim, um'kayeim emunato lisheinei afar, mi chamocha ba-al g'vurot umi domeh lach, melech meimit um'chayeh umatzmi-ach y'shuah.

[שבת שובה:] מִי כָמוֹךָ אַב הָרַחֲמִים, זוֹכֵר יְצוּרָיו לְחַיִּים בְּרַחֲמִים:

(Shabbat Shuva) Mi chamocha av harachamim, zocheir y'tzurav l'chayim b'rachamim.

וְנֶאֱמָן אַתָּה לְהַחֲיוֹת הַכֹּל. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מְחַיֵּה הַכֹּל:


V'ne-eman atah l'hachayot hakol.  Baruch atah Adonai, m'chayeih hakol.

You are mighty forever, Dear God.  You renew all life.  You are great in deliverance.  You sustain all life with loving-kindness.  You renew all life with great compassion, lifting up those who fall, healing the ill, freeing the captives, and keeping faith with those asleep in the dust.  Who is like You, Master of Power? Who is similar to You, Sovereign Source of Life and Death, who makes way for redemption? [Shabbat Shuva Who is like You, Fountain of Compassion, who with mercy recalls all creatures to life?]  You are the faithful source of all life.  We bless and praise You, Eternal One, who brings life to all. 

אַתָּה קָדוֹשׁ וְשִׁמְךָ קָדוֹשׁ וּקְדוֹשִׁים בְּכָל יוֹם יְהַלְלֽוּךָ, סֶּֽלָה.

 

Atah kadosh v'shimcha kadosh, uk'doshim b'chol yom y'hal'lucha, selah.

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הָאֵל הַקָּדוֹשׁ.

 

Baruch atah Adonai, ha-eil hakadosh.

[שבת שובה:] בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמֶּֽלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ.

 

(Shabbat Shuva) Baruch atah Adonai,Hamelech Hakadosh.

You are holy and Your name is holy and every day those who seek holiness sing Your praises, selah!  We bless and praise You, Eternal One, the Holy God [Shabbat Shuva the Sacred Sovereign].

 

Meditation for Shabbat

 

Dear God, as this week comes to an end, open my heart to Shabbat Shalom, the Peace of Shabbat, so that I may honor this sacred day with a full spirit.  May the troubles of the week be no more than a memory.  May I and all my loved ones be blessed with Your love.  As I remember this special day, may the light of the Shabbat candles enlighten my heart, may the sweetness of the Shabbat wine gladden my soul, and may the taste of the challah strengthen my body.  As I celebrate Shabbat today, may I never forget the promise of a world of light and peace for all. Amen. (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Meditation for Passover

 

            This is the season of freedom.  We celebrate with family and friends our people’s liberation from slavery in Egypt and our hope for a time when all will be free.  Freedom is an awesome responsibility.  It is a gift that was purchased at a great price.  As we acknowledge the miracle of liberty, let us not forget the countless individuals who from generation to generation struggled so hard that the promise of the Exodus be fulfilled for us and for people all over the world. 

            Dear God help us to be worthy of the gift of freedom.  May we always cherish our liberties.  May we strive to overthrow all forms of slavery and oppression as we make the promise of freedom a reality for all in Your world. Amen.  (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Meditation for Sukkot

 

This is the season of joy.  We give thanks for the gift of the harvest, for our wonderful earth and for the dream of a better world to come.  May the time we spend in the sukkah, the fragile harvest booth, remind us of our dependency on You, Dear God, as well as of the others who depend on us.     

Keep us aware of Your presence in our lives as we strive to make the blessings of Your world available to all Your children so that soon we will all be able to celebrate a world of peace and fellowship in Jerusalem, Your holy city.  Amen. (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Meditation for Shemini Arzeret / Simchat Torah

 

This is a time of endings and beginnings.  The cycle of the Torah has come to an end and begins once again.  As we look back upon this past year we are amazed at how much we have seen, how much we have learned.  We have truly grown in wisdom and insight. We see our lives, our tradition and our Torah in a new light.  May we be renewed this year for a life of understanding and wisdom as we hear the ancient words of our Torah with renewed strength, courage, hope and vitality.  Amen. (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Meditation for Shavuot

 

Dear God open our ears and uncover our eyes to Your word today as you did for our ancestors so long ago as they gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai to harken to your call.  Your word to us, the Torah, is a light to our eyes and a blessing to our souls.  May we always find new ways to keep its eternal truths at the center of our lives.  May we listen so that we can do Your will in this world so that our lives will be full of meaning and we will be able to share Your love with all Your creatures today and everyday.  Amen (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי וְהֶגְיוֹן לִבִּי לְפָנֶֽיךָ, יְיָ צוּרִי וְגוֹאֲלִי.

 

Yihyu  l'ratzon imrei fi v'hegyon libi l'fanecha, Adonai tzuri v'goali.

 

May all of the prayerful words which I have spoken or felt within my heart be acceptable to You, my God, because You are Rock that anchors me and the Power that sets me free. 

 

Meditation on Peace

 

Gently place abounding peace upon your people Israel

Peace not just sufficient for a day

But peace enough for every day,

O Sovereign Source of lasting Peace.

May it be your ceaseless wish

To send the blessings of boundless peace

To all those who pant for peace

To Israel, your people,

To all people

And to our restless hearts.

You are truly blessed, Beloved God, to be the one who makes for peace.

                        (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

Oseh Shalom

 

עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו

הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ

וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל כָּל יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל וְאִמְרוּ, אָמֵן:

Oseh shalom bimromav,

hu ya-aseh shalom aleinuv'al kol yisra-eil, v'imru amein. 

 

May the One who makes peace in the heavens above grant us the wisdom, courage and insight to make peace here below - peace for us, for all Israel and for all who share our small globe.

 

Kiddush – Blessing Over the Wine

(For Shabbat)

 

We welcome the Jewish Shabbat with wine.  Wine is a symbol of joy.  We look forward to the time when everyone will be blessed with happiness.

 

וַיְהִי עֶֽרֶב וַיְהִי בֹֽקֶר יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי. וַיְכֻלּוּ הַשָּׁמַֽיִם וְהָאָֽרֶץ וְכָל צְבָאָם: וַיְכַל  אֱלֹהִים בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי מְלַאכְתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה, וַיִּשְׁבֹּת בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה: וַיְבָֽרֶךְ אֱלֹהִים אֶת יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי וַיְקַדֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ, כִּי בוֹ שָׁבַת מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּוֹ, אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים לַעֲשׂוֹת:

Vay'hi erev vay'hi voker, yom  hashishi.  Vayekhulu  hashamayim v'ha-aretz, vekhol tz'va'am.  Vay'khal Elohim bayom ha-shvi'i m'lakhto asher asa.  Vayishbot bayom ha-shvi'i mikol m'lakhto asher asa.  Vay'varekh Elohim et yom ha-shvi'i, vay'kadesh oto, ki vo shavat mikol m'lakhto asher bara Elohim la'asot.

First it was evening and then it was morning and sixth day was over.  Heaven and earth and all their components were finished.  Thus, by the seventh day God had accomplished doing all the work which God set out to do. So, God rested on the seventh day from all the work which God had done.  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it special because on that day God rested from all the work which God set out to do.

סַבְרִי חֲבֵרַי:

Svari Chaveirai

With your permission my friends,

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן.

Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh, ha‑Olam, borei p'ri hagafen.

 

You are blessed, our Everlasting God, Ruler of all there is, because you create the fruit of the vine.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יָיְ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְרָֽצָה בָֽנוּ, וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשׁוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחִילָֽנוּ זִכָּרוֹן לְמַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית, כִּי הוּא יוֹם תְּחִלָּה לְמִקְרָֽאֵי קֹֽדֶשׁ, זֵֽכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָֽיִם. כִּי בָֽנוּ בָחַֽרְתָּ וְאוֹתָֽנוּ קִדַּֽשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, וְשַׁבַּת קָדְשְׁךָ בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת.

Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu melechha-olam, asher kidshanu bemitzvotzav v'ratza vanu, v'Shabbat kodsho b'ahava u-v'ratzon hinchilanu zikaron l'ma'asei v'reishit. Ki hu yom t'chila l'mikra'ei kodesh zekher litziyat Mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta v'otanu kidashta mi kol ha-amim; v'Shabbat kodsh'kha b'ahava uv-ratzon hinchaltanu. Barukh ata Adonai, mekadesh haShabat.

You are blessed, our Everlasting God, ruler of all there is, because you made us holy with your mitzvot and you took delight in us.  With love and joy you gave us the holy Sabbath to help us remember all the work of creation.  The Sabbath, the first of all our sacred days, is, also, a reminder of our Exodus from Egypt.  You entered into a special relationship with us and sanctified us among all the other nations and with love and joy, you have given us your holy Sabbath.  Your are blessed, Our Everlasting God, because you make the Sabbath holy. Amen!

 

(For the Festivals )

סַבְרִי חֲבֵרַי:

Svari Chaveirai

With your permission my friends,

 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן.

Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh, ha‑Olam, borei p'ri hagafen.

 

You are blessed, our Everlasting God, Ruler of all there is, because you create the fruit of the vine.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר בָּֽחַר בָּֽנוּ מִכָּל עָם וְרוֹמְמָֽנוּ מִכָּל לָשׁוֹן, וְקִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו. וַתִּתֶּן לָֽנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ בְּאַהֲבָה (שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה וּ)מוֹעֲדִים לְשִׂמְחָה, חַגִּים וּזְמַנִּים לְשָׂשׂוֹן, אֶת יוֹם (הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה וְאֶת יוֹם)

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha‑olam, asher bachar banu mikol am v'rom'manu mikol lashon, v'kid'shanu b'mitzvotav. Vatiten lanu Adonai eloheinu b'ahavah (shabatot limnuchah u) moadim l'simchah, chagim uz'manim l'sason, et yom (hashabat hazeh v'et yom):

 

[לפסח] חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הֻזֶּה, זְמַן חֵרוּתֵנוּ

(on Pesach) chag hamazot hazeh, z’man cheiruteinu

[לשבועות] חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת הַזֶּה, זְמַן מַתַּן תּוֹרָתֵֽנוּ

(on Shavuot) chag hashavuot hazeh, z'man matan torateinu

[לסוכות] חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הַזֶּה, זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵֽנוּ

(on Sukkot) chag hasukot hazeh, z’man simchateinu

[לשמיני עצרת ולשמחת תורה] הַשְּׁמִינִי חַג הָעֲצֶֽרֶת הַזֶּה, זְמַן שִׂמְחָתֵֽנוּ

(on Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah) hashmini chag  ha-atzeret hazeh, z'man simchateinu

(בְּאַהֲבָה) מִקְרָא קֹֽדֶשׁ, זֵֽכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָֽיִם. כִּי בָֽנוּ בָחַֽרְתָּ וְאוֹתָֽנוּ קִדַּֽשְׁתָּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, (וְשַׁבָּת) וּמוֹעֲדֵי קָדְשֶֽׁךָ (בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן) בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְשָׂשׂוֹן הִנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מְקַדֵּשׁ (הַשַּׁבָּת וְ)יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּמַנִּים.

 

(b'ahavah) mikra kodesh, zeicher litzi-at mitzrayim. Ki vanu vacharta v'otanu kidashta mikol ha-amim, (v'shabat) umoadei kod'shecha (b'ahavah uv'ratzon) b'simchah uv'sason hinchaltanu. Baruch atah Adonai, m'kadeish (hashabat v')yisra-eil v'haz'manim.

 

We bless and praise You, our Eternal God, Ruler of All, who has entered into a unique relationship with us, different from those which You have made with other peoples, and who has distinguished us from other traditions, by showing us the ways to holiness through Your mitzvot, directives.  As a token of Your love, You, Dear God, have given us (the Shabbat for rest and) holidays for happiness and festivals and seasons for rejoicing.  You have given us (the Shabbat and) this day on which we celebrate

 

(on Pesach) the Feast of Matzah, the Unleavened Bread, the Season of our Freedom,

(on Shavuot) The Feast of Weeks, the Season of the giving of our Torah

(on Sukkot) the Feast of Booths, the Season of our Rejoicing

(on Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah) the Feast of the Eighth Day, the Season of our Rejoicing.

 

as a holy convocation, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.  By giving us (the Shabbat) and the Your Sacred Seasons (with love and intention) and with happiness and rejoicing as our singular heritage, You have created a unique bond with us and differentiated us from other peoples.  We extol and exalt You, Everlasting One, Sovereign over All the Earth, because You make (Shabbat and) the People of Israel and our Festivals holy.  Amen!

 

Aleinu

 

עָלֵֽינוּ לְשַׁבֵּֽחַ לַאֲדוֹן הַכֹּל, לָתֵת גְּדֻלָּה לְיוֹצֵר בְּרֵאשִׁית, שֶׁלֹּא עָשָֽׂנוּ כְּגוֹיֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת, וְלֹא שָׂמָֽנוּ כְּמִשְׁפְּחוֹת  הָאֲדָמָה, שֶׁלֹא שָׂם חֶלְקֵֽנוּ כָּהֶם, וְגֹרָלֵֽנוּ כְּכָל הֲמוֹנָם.

Aleinu l'shabei-ach la-adon hakol, lateit g'dulah l'yotzeir b'reishit, shelo asanu k'goyei ha-aratzot, v'lo samanu k'mishp'chot  ha-adamah, shelosam chelkeinu kahem, v'goraleinu k'chol hamonam.

וַאֲנַֽחְנוּ כּוֹרְעִים וּמִשְׁתַּחֲוִים וּמוֹדִים, לִפְנֵי מֶֽלֶךְ, מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים, הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא.

Vaanachnu kor'im umishtachavim umodim, lifnei melech malchei ham'lachim, hakadosh baruch hu.

 

Let us praise the Master of All!  Let us exalt the One who created from the beginning!  For God did not make us like the other nations of the earth, nor did God place us with the other families of the globe.  God did not place our portion with theirs, nor did God set our fate with that of the many.  Therefore, we bend the knee, bow low, and offer thanks to the Sovereign God, Ruler of All, The Holy One who is Blessed.

 

שֶׁהוּא נוֹטֶה שָׁמַֽיִם וְיֹסֵד אָֽרֶץ, וּמוֹשַׁב יְקָרוֹ בַּשָּׁמַֽיִם מִמַּֽעַל, וּשְׁכִינַת עֻזּוֹ בְּגָבְהֵי מְרוֹמִים, הוּא אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ אֵין עוֹד. אֱמֶת מַלְכֵּֽנוּ אֶֽפֶס 

זוּלָתוֹ, כַּכָּתוּב בְּתוֹרָתוֹ: וְיָדַעְתָּ הַיּוֹם וַהֲשֵׁבֹתָ אֶל לְבָבֶֽךָ, כִּי יְיָ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים בַּשָּׁמַֽים מִמַּֽעַל, וְעַל הָאָֽרֶץ מִתָּֽחַת, אֵין עוֹד.

Shehu noteh shamayim v'yoseid  aretz, umoshav y'karo bashamayim mima-al, ush'chinat uzo b'gav'hei m'romim, hu eloheinu ein od. Emet malkeinu, efes zulato,  kakatuv b'torato: V'yadata hayom vahasheivota el l'vavecha, ki Adonai hu ha-elohim bashamam mima-al, v'al ha-aretz mitachat, ein od.

 

God stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth.  God’s glory dwells in the heavens beyond, while God’s powerful presence rises above the lofty peaks.  This is our God.  There is no other.  Truly, there is nothing that can be compared to our Divine Ruler.  As it appears in God’s holy Torah, “This day, know and accept with your heart and mind that the Eternal is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.  There is no other!” (Deuteronomy 4:39)

וְנֶאֱמַר, וְהָיָה יְיָ לְמֶֽלֶךְ עַל כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ, בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא יִהְיֶה יְיָ אֶחָד, וּשְמוֹ אֶחָד:

 

V'ne-emar, v'hayah Adonai l'melech al kol ha-aretz, bayom hahu yihyeh Adonai echad, ush'mo  echad.

 

Dear God, all dominion is Yours and forever You will reign in glory, as it is written in the Torah, “The Eternal is sovereign forever,” (Exodus 15:18) and as Your prophet declared, “Soon You will be known as supreme throughout all the earth, and then You will be one and Your name, one.” (Zechariah 14:9)

 

Yizkor

 

כִּי־עַזָּה כַמָּוֶת אַהֲבָה

For Love is stronger than Death (Song of Songs 8:6)

 

Memory brings us together.  It ties our present to our past and gives direction to our future.  It helps us learn from our mistakes and draw strength from our successes.

 

We gather today to share our memories: memories of those who have been a part of our lives and who have now gone to their eternal home.  They touched our hearts, souls and minds; over the years they shared their lives with us, and we still feel their absence.

 

We gather today to acknowledge our loss, to share our hurt, and to offer thanksgiving for the opportunities we had to learn from them and grow with them.  They still live on in our lives and in the lives of all whom they touched along the pathways of their years.

 

At times when our sense of loss and separation seems to overwhelm us, when sorrow and grief seek to engulf us, we reach out to each other and to the Divine spark within us for love, support and meaning.  We seek the light of God that illumines our eyes and brightens our souls.

 

Dear God, in times of sorrow and grief, as in times of celebration and rejoicing, may we never be far from Your guiding beacon.  Grant us the strength to feel Your presence within and without us as we go about our daily tasks.  May we be graced with the power to see Your glow in the souls of all we meet, and may their memory light our way on our path to You.  (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

A Yizkor Prayer

 

God above, at this sacred hour, we remember with love and reverence those no longer with us.

 

We recall family members and dear friends whose souls are with You.

 

We also remember those who, throughout our history, gave their lives for the sanctification of Your name – those who perished so that Judaism might survive.

 

We remember the innocent victims of ruthless pogroms.  We recall the six million who were slaughtered during the Holocaust.

 

We also remember the heroes who fought and died to give life to the State of Israel and to guarantee its continued existence.

 

And we remember the countless good people of all nations and faiths who dedicated their lives to the betterment of humanity and our world, those who struggled to promote freedom, liberty, and a better, safer, healthier life for all.

 

May their repose be in paradise.  May their memory be a blessing.

                        (Rabbi Howard Kahn, Congregation Beth El from JGH Shabbat Shalom Prayer Booklet)

 

Dear God, I thank You for the precious gift of memory, as I remember the many people who were a source of  love and blessing for me during the days, months, and years we spent together.  May their memory be a source of strength for me.  May I always remember the joy and blessings they brought into my life.  As I cherish the best wishes and dreams they had for me, may I also have the strength to forgive them for their shortcomings.  May I continue to be inspired by their highest values, and help me live in such a way as to make those values real in my life and in the lives of those I touch.  (Rabbi Lewis John Eron)

 

Moment of Personal Recollections and Prayers

 

Eternal God, Fountain of Compassion, help me find blessings in the memory of those I love, as today I remember all those close and dear to me – my dear:

father / mother / sister / brother / wife / husband / partner

child / grandchild / grandparents / aunts / uncles

cousins / neighbors / co-workers / comrades / teachers / friends

 

May the memory of my friends and loved ones be a source of strength and encouragement for me today and every day, and let me say, “Amen.”

 

Eil Maleh Rachamim

 

אֵל מָלֵא רַחֲמִים שׁוֹכֵן בַּמְּרוֹמִים. הַמְצֵא מְנוּחָה נְכוֹנָה עַל כַּנְפֵי הַשְּׁכִינָה. בְּמַעֲלוֹת קְדוֹשִׁים וּטְהוֹרִים כְּזֹֽהַר הָרָקִֽיעַ מַזְהִירִים אֶת נְשָׁמוֹת קְרוֹבֵינוּ וְאַהוּבֵינוּ שֶׁהָלְכוּ לְעוֹלָמָם, בְּגַן עֵֽדֶן תְּהֵא מְנוּחֳתָם. לָכֵן בַּֽעַל הָרַחֲמִים יַסְתִּירֵֽהֶם בְּסֵֽתֶר כְּנָפָיו לְעוֹלָמִים. וְיִצְרוֹר בִּצְרוֹר הַחַיִּים אֶת נִשְׁמוֹתָם. יְיָ הוּא נַחֲלוֹתָם: וְיָנֽוּחוּ בְּשָׁלוֹם עַל מִשְׁכָּבוֹתָם. וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן:

 

May God, the One who abounds in Mercy, the One who dwells beyond all there is, grant perfect rest to the souls of those close and dear to us who have departed into eternity.  May they be lifted up upon the wings of the Shekinah to the realm of the holy and pure who shine like the brightness of the firmament. May their repose be in Paradise.  May the Source of Compassion provide shelter for them in God’s protecting wings so that their souls are bound forever in the bundle of life.  The Beloved God is their portion and may their memory abide in our hearts forever.  And to this we say, “Amen!”

 

 

Psalm 23

 

A Psalm of David:   

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul;

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of       death,

I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me;

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  (Psalm 23)

 

MOURNER’S KADDISH

 

Memory is a precious gift.  It transcends the limits of time and space and connects us to those who were dear to us while they lived and still have an enduring place in our hearts.  As our service ends, we think about people whose lives have touched ours for good – particularly of those who died in this season in years gone by and of those whose passing still weighs heavy on our hearts.  We honor their memory with words of prayer.

יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא. בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ, וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ בְּחַיֵּיכוֹן וּבְיוֹמֵיכוֹן וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

 

Yitgadal v'yitkadash sh'meih  raba. B'al'ma di v'ra chiruteih, v'yamlich malchuteih b'chayeichon uv'yomeichon uv'chayei d'chol beit yisra-eil, ba-agala uvizman kariv, v'imru amein.

יְהֵא שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא מְבָרַךְ לְעָלַם וּלְעָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא:

Y'hei sh'meih raba m'varach l'alam ul'al'mei al'maya.

יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִשְׁתַּבַּח, וְיִתְפָּאַר וְיִתְרוֹמַם וְיִתְנַשֵּׂא וְיִתְהַדָּר וְיִתְעַלֶּה וְיִתְהַלָּל שְׁמֵהּ דְּקֻדְשָׁא בְּרִיךְ הוּא לְעֵֽלָּא מִן כָּל (בעשי"ת וּלְעֵלָּא מִכָּל) בִּרְכָתָא וְשִׁירָתָא, תֻּשְׁבְּחָתָא וְנֶחֱמָתָא, דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְמָא, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

Yitbarach v'yishtabach v'yitpa-ar v'yitromam v'yitnasei v'yithadar v'yitaleh v'yithalal sh'meih d'kudsha b'rich hu, l'eila  min kol (during the Ten days of Penitence, l’eila u l’eila mi kol) birchata v'shirata tushb'chata v'nechemata, da-amiran b'al'ma,  v'imru amein.

יְהֵא שְׁלָמָא רַבָּא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְחַיִּים עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

Y'hei sh'lama raba min sh'maya, v'chayim (tovim) aleinu  v'al kol yisra-eil, v'imru amein.

עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם, עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל כָּל יוֹשְׁבֵי תֵבֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya-aseh shalom aleinu v'al kol yisra-eil, v'imru  amein.

 

May God’s name be made great and holy in the world, which God created according to his will.  May God’s dominion become real in your lives and throughout your days and in the life of all Israel and may this happen speedily and soon and let us say, “Amen!”

           

May God’s exalted name be blessed in this and in all worlds forever!

 

May the Blessed One’s holy name be blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, proclaimed, glorified, elevated, and lauded beyond (between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur: well beyond) all the words of blessing, song, praise and consolation that we can utter in this world and let us say, “Amen!”

 

May there be abounding peace and life from heaven for us and for all Israel, and let us say, “Amen!”

 

May the One who creates peace in the heavens above, grant peace to us, to all Israel and to all who share this world, and let us say, “Amen!”

 

Adon Olam / אדון עולם

 

אֲדוֹן עוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר מָלַךְ, 

בְּטֶֽרֶם כָּל יְצִיר נִבְרָא.

לְעֵת נַעֲשָׂה בְחֶפְצוֹ כֹּל,

אֲזַי מֶֽלֶךְ שְׁמוֹ נִקְרָא.

Adon olam, asher malach,

b'terem kol y'tzir nivra.

L'et na'asah v'cheftzo kol,

azai melech sh'mo nikra.

וְאַחֲרֵי כִּכְלוֹת הַכֹּל,

לְבַדּוֹ יִמְלוֹךְ נוֹרָא.

וְהוּא הָיָה, וְהוּא הֹוֶה,

וְהוּא יִהְיֶה, בְּתִפְאָרָה.

V'acharey kichlot hakol,

l'vado yimloch nora.

V'hu haya, v'hu hoveh,

v'hu yih'yeh b'tifara.

 

וְהוּא אֶחָד וְאֵין שֵׁנִי,

לְהַמְשִׁיל לוֹ לְהַחְבִּֽירָה.

בְּלִי רֵאשִׁית בְּלִי תַכְלִית,

וְלוֹ הָעֹז וְהַמִּשְׂרָה.

 

V'hu echad, v'eyn sheni

l'hamshil lo, l'hachbira.

B'li reishit, b'li tachlit,

v'lo ha'oz v'hamisrah

וְהוּא אֵלִי וְחַי גֹּאֲלִי,

וְצוּר חֶבְלִי בְּעֵת צָרָה.

וְהוּא נִסִּי וּמָנוֹס לִי,

מְנָת כּוֹסִי בְּיוֹם אֶקְרָא.

V'hu Eli, v'chai go'ali,

v'tzur chevli b'et tzarah.

V'hu nisi umanos li

m'nat kosi b'yom ekra.

בְּיָדוֹ אַפְקִיד רוּחִי,

בְּעֵת אִישַׁן וְאָעִֽירָה.

וְעִם רוּחִי גְּוִיָּתִי,

יְיָ לִי וְלֹא אִירָא.

B'yado afkid ruchi

b'et ishan v'a'irah.

V'im ruchi g'viyati,

Adonai li v'lo ira.

 

The Master of All who reigned

before all created things were formed.

The moment when all was made by the Divine will

was God sovereignty first proclaimed.

 

And after all that is shall end,

the awesome God alone shall reign.

God was, God is,

and God shall be forever robed in glory.

 

God is one, beyond compare

and there is no other to join with God

Without beginning, without end

and all power and dominion is God’s alone.

 

This is my God, my Redeemer who lives,

A rock for my troubles in bitter times.

God is my banner and my refuge,

The portion in my cup on the day I call.

 

I place my spirit in God’s hand

when I sleep and when I awake

And with my spirit so is my body

The Eternal is with me, I shall not fear.

 

 

Prayer Booklet prepared by

Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.

 

1229 Liberty Bell Drive

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

lewiseron@hotmail.com

lewiseron.wixsite.com/mysite

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