Congratulations on conscription and release from the IDF, for a child starting first grade, for a new family absorbed into the community, for the silver and gold wedding, for a driver who issued a driver's license, for a resident who joined the Jewish people and new immigrants who have just arrived in Israel. A new one, which is currently being launched in stores by the World Organization of Synagogues, is added to the blessings and prayers said in the synagogues, which have been part of the prayer arrangement for decades and centuries.
The prayers and blessings said today in synagogues have been written throughout Jewish history, some of which were written as early as the time of the geniuses about 1,000 years ago.
Over the years, newer prayers have been added to them, composed, among other things, by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
Now, after more than 70 years of resurrection, the need has arisen to compose new, more relevant prayers for us today.
The new book is intended for use by thousands of Gabayim and community leaders who conduct prayers in synagogues, and is published by the Synagogue Organization, in collaboration with Heichal Shlomo.
The book includes a reference to the Zionist aspect, such as prayers on the occasion of conscription or release from the IDF, or new immigrants who have now arrived in Israel.
Another and special prayer includes a blessing for a man and a woman between the ages of 60 and 90.
"He who blessed our ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, he will bless ... who turned ninety and came to return."
Written for example in a greeting to an elderly person.
"And they will get to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren go his way, and he will get a good return."
The wording varies of course according to gender.
The book contains new prayers in the personal context, such as the silver wedding and the golden wedding: "They will have a good relationship together for many years," and alternatively, on the occasion of entering first grade: "He will bless our children entering the school gates."
The director of the World Organization of Synagogues, Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, led the compilation of the new prayers, in consultation with a team of rabbis to formulate things accurately.
"The Gabay book combines old and new. The prayers that accompany us are important."
