To My Dear Sisters,

If you are like me, you are pushing yourself to make it through the day. And then night comes and the darkness we are in, becomes even more consuming. Our hearts beat as one with those who have lost loved ones, the hostages, the wounded, our dedicated soldiers and all those suffering physically and emotionally. We are all looking for what we can do to help. And the outpouring of prayer and good deeds is so uplifting. What else can we do?

The Jewish people are commanded to be a Light Unto The Nations and bringing more light into the world is the most universal way to fight darkness. It transcends observance levels or beliefs. It has the power to unite us in the most beautiful Jewish tradition. Let's be part of a worldwide campaign to harness the spiritual power of lighting Shabbat candles to pray for Israel.

For generations, Jewish women have prayed for their children and families at candle-lighting.

This Friday afternoon, approximately 20 minutes before sunset, (click HERE for candle lighting time in your city) let's join with other Jewish women in lighting Shabbat candles, and using that special moment to pray for our People.

This is a spiritual war against those who seek to destroy Israel, not because of its borders, but because of what it stands for as the world’s only Jewish state. Let's respond to them by reaffirming our eternal Jewish values through Shabbat.

Please share this call and accompanying prayer by South Africa's Chief Rabbi Dr. Warren Goldstein with your mothers, sisters, daughters and grandmothers, and with all your friends and your wider community – and together, let’s counter the darkness by bringing more light into the world.

Jewish tradition teaches that “The Jewish people are redeemed in the merit of righteous women”. In the merit of our prayers and the mitzvah of candle-lighting, may G-d bring security and safety to Israel and comfort to her people.

Love,

Esti

SUGGESTED PRAYER AT SHABBAT CANDLE-LIGHTING

Our G-d and the G-d of our forefathers, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, hear my supplication in the merit of Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah, our mothers, and in the merit of lighting the holy Shabbat candles.

Protect and deliver the soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces and Security Forces, and all those engaged in saving lives, from all trouble and sorrow. Strengthen their hands and adorn them with the crown of Your salvation and victory.

I plead with You, Merciful One, in Your vast Majesty, liberate our captives, speedily deliver them from anguish to relief, and return them home to life and peace.

Save our brothers and sisters, our aged, men and women and children all who were wounded at the hands of the cruel enemy. Illuminate your presence for them and send them a complete healing, speedily in our days.

G-d, full of mercy and compassion, provide tranquil rest on the wings of the Divine Presence, for the souls of Your nation, men, women and children, murdered in cold blood, their blood spilled like water. May their eternal rest be in Gan Eden.

L-rd, our G-d, comfort the mourners of Your nation, heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds,

Turn Your countenance, oh G-d, to those dwelling in our land, from the border of Lebanon to the Egyptian desert; and spread over them Your shelter of peace, grant them safety, tranquillity and security. Send Your light and truth to the leaders of the State of Israel, her ministers and advisors, and grace them with Your good counsel.

Speedily bring your final redemption to the world, when “death will vanish in life eternal”, when You will “wipe away tears from all faces”, when “nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore… and the earth will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans.”

Amen.