Office for prayer in connection with the Jewish people
Thursday 1 February 2024
Meditation
At the end of January, Jews celebrate Tu Bishvat
Tu Bichvat is more than just a celebration; it is a symbol of renewal and connection with nature. Mentioned in the Mishna, this festival represents one of the four New Years in the Jewish calendar, marking the “New Year of the Trees”.
This celebration has evolved over time, acquiring a spiritual and ecological dimension in addition to its agricultural importance.
One of the prayers is for the trees: (excerpt from the Sidur)
“Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the world, who deprives the world of nothing, who has created excellent creatures and productive trees for the benefit of the sons of Adam.
May it please you, O Lord our God and God of our fathers, to bring us up in joy to our land, … a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of streams, fountains and springs gushing out of valleys and mountains, a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs and pomegranates, a land of olives for oil and honey.”
Download the PDF below for an illustration by Sefira Lightstone
Intercessions
To be adapted according to your location
R. Amen, amen, blessed be the God of Israel
Or another refrain
1. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who mourned because of the violence between Cain and Abel,
we pray to you for peace in the Holy Land,
this land where you have chosen to come and join us in our humanity.
2. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who made possible the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers,
for any contempt for your people Israel, forgive us (silence).
We pray to you, Father, to make fraternity grow between the Jewish people and the nations.
3. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who brought Israel out of Egypt and made your people free,
give your joy to the Jewish people,
and keep them faithful to your covenant.
4. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who united the twelve tribes of Israel around the Torah,
give peace to the Jews who believe in Jesus.
5. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
you who sent your Son Jesus to save us,
pour out your blessing on Christians who are of Jewish descent.
6. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
Father of Jesus Christ,
bring all Christian churches together in unity.
7. Loving Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
– you have given the Jewish people the promise of the coming of the Messiah,
– you have given the Church the expectation of your son’s return.
– in the Holy Spirit we say with the whole Church: “Maranatha, come Lord”.