The Prayer for the Royal Family will now include a prayer of protection for the armed forces.
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis announced the addition to the centuries’ old prayer in time for centenary Remembrance Sunday services this weekend.
The wording: “May He bless and protect Her Majesty’s Armed Forces,” will be added to the prayer recited in the middle of the morning Sabbath service.
The Chief Rabbi said: "I believe that it is appropriate that we continuously ask the Almighty to bless and protect the brave servicemen and women who risk their lives in places of conflict in the name of Her Majesty and on behalf of us all. They courageously seek to preserve our peace and security and the freedoms we enjoy."
The Jewish community regularly recites prayers for the protection of the army at special times of year such as the Remembrance Sunday weekend and the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen (AJEX) Sabbath and British Armed Forces Sabbath, as well as at times of conflict. However the Chief Rabbi believes it should become a regular addition to weekly prayers.
The Chief Rabbi has also called upon his rabbinate to use the move as an opportunity to reflect with their communities on the role played by the armed forces and the sacrifices they make for the country. Over 50,000 Jewish men and women have served in the forces and over 1,500 have received awards for bravery.
Ajex chairman Jeffrey Fox said: “This initiative of the Chief Rabbi is most welcome and appreciated. The significant contribution made by Jewish men and women in service to the Sovereign, for over three centuries, is often unrecognised. The Chief Rabbi’s words will make sure it is never forgotten.”
Lord Astor, the Government’s Defence Spokesperson in the Lords said: “This gesture is a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces who risk their lives to protect our interests and help keep every community in the UK safe. It is particularly poignant that this amendment to the Chief Rabbi’s Prayer will begin in the centenary year marking the outbreak of the First World War, in which more than 50,000 Jewish men and women bravely served their country.”
