Jewish Prayers and Blessings

Birkat Ha'ilanot is the traditional Jewish prayer recited once a year to thank God upon seeing the first blossoming fruit trees of the spring.

I have some urgent prayers for America. The incident of the two policemen pushing this old man is sad and totally unnecessary. The police are tired and overworked and have lost their patience and their trust in the system.

Kol Nidre is the Aramaic declaration that opens the Yom Kippur evening service. Here is the full text in Aramaic, transliteration, and English, with its meaning and first-century Bible context.

Avinu Malkeinu is a Jewish prayer of repentance and mercy, most often heard during Rosh Hashanah, the Days of Awe, and Yom Kippur. Its words teach us to come before God as both children and servants.

The Shema in Hebrew, transliteration and English, with a clear explanation of each line, its place in the days of Yeshua, and how to pray it at home.

Ma Tovu ("How good") is the short prayer traditionally said when entering a synagogue. Here is the full text in Hebrew, transliteration and English, with the Scriptures behind every line.

Lecha Dodi is a sixteenth-century Jewish song sung on Friday evenings to welcome Shabbat as a bride. Here are the full Hebrew lyrics, transliteration, English translation, and the biblical meaning behind the prayer.

Modeh Ani is the short Jewish prayer said upon waking, thanking God for returning life and breath with mercy. It is a simple way to begin the day with gratitude.

Aleinu, "it is our duty," closes Jewish prayer services by praising God as Creator and King and looking ahead to the day He is King over all the earth. Here is the full text in Hebrew, transliteration and English, with what it means.

Adon Olam, "Master of the Universe," is a five-stanza Hebrew hymn that moves from God who reigned before creation to God who keeps us while we sleep. Full Hebrew, transliteration and English below.

Mi Chamocha is the song Israel sang on the far shore of the Red Sea, now sung in the synagogue just before the Amidah. Here is the Hebrew, transliteration, translation and meaning.

Yedid Nefesh, “Beloved of the Soul,” is a Jewish hymn of longing for God’s presence. It is traditionally sung on Friday evening as Shabbat begins.

The Mi Shebeirach asks the God who blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to heal someone who is ill, in body and in soul. Here is the prayer, what it means, and how a believer can pray it today.

The Barchu (also spelled Barechu) is the short call and response that opens communal prayer in the synagogue: "Bless the Lord, the blessed One." Here is the text, the transliteration and what it means.

Birkat Hagomel is the Jewish blessing of thanks said after coming safely through danger, illness, imprisonment or a hard journey. Here is the full Hebrew text, a transliteration, the English, and what it teaches a disciple of Yeshua.

Shalom Aleichem is the traditional Jewish song sung at the Friday night table to welcome Shabbat in peace. Here are the Hebrew lyrics, transliteration, English translation, and the meaning behind the song.

Ein Kamocha means “There is none like You.” It is sung in the synagogue as the Torah scroll is about to be taken from the ark for public reading.

The Amidah is the central prayer of every Jewish service, said standing and facing Jerusalem. Here are its opening blessings in Hebrew, transliteration and English, with what they mean and how a believer can pray them.

Tefilat HaDerech is the traditional Jewish Traveler’s Prayer, said after leaving the city on a significant trip. It asks God for peace, protection, favor, and a safe arrival.

On Friday night, Jewish parents bless their children with words from Genesis and Numbers. Sons are blessed like Ephraim and Manasseh, daughters like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, and every child receives the Priestly Blessing.

Birkat Hamazon is the traditional Jewish blessing said after a meal that includes bread. It gives thanks to God for food, the Land, Jerusalem, and His daily kindness.

Asher Yatzar ("who formed") is the short Jewish blessing said after using the restroom, thanking God for a body made in wisdom. Here is the Hebrew, the English, and what the words mean.

Jewish tradition gives a short blessing to say when you see a rainbow, thanking God who remembers His covenant with Noah. Here is the Hebrew, its meaning, and how to pray it today.

The Shehecheyanu is a short Jewish blessing that thanks God for giving us life, sustaining us, and bringing us to this moment. It is said at the start of biblical festivals, at new experiences, and at joyful milestones.

Jewish tradition gives two short blessings for a storm: one when you see lightning, one when you hear thunder. Here is the text, what it means, and how to make it part of your own prayer.

Ein Keloheinu means "There is none like our God." Here is the full hymn in Hebrew, transliteration and English, with what each stanza says and why a disciple of Yeshua can sing it gladly.

When bad news comes, Jewish tradition answers with a blessing: "Blessed are You... the Judge of Truth." Here is the full text, what it means, and how a believer can pray it.