A special prayer to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration has been written by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, it has been announced.

It will be recited in Orthodox synagogues across the country on Shabbat on November 4 as part of the Balfour Shabbat celebrations.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: "One hundred years ago, a chain of political events was set in motion which would change the Jewish world forever.

“Those events were so remarkable, and at times so unlikely, that one cannot help but see the hand of the Divine in them.

“Our awareness of such a blessing makes a prayer of thanksgiving a most appropriate way to mark this special anniversary."

Balfour Shabbat will include a series of events on November 3 and 4 across the spectrum of Jewish denominations, with lectures, debates and Friday night dinners planned.

Gillian Merron, on behalf of the Balfour100 steering committee planning the centenary celebrations, said: “It is deeply welcome that the Chief Rabbi has composed a prayer to commemorate this momentous occasion.

“This is a key moment in Jewish history and deserves to be marked in such an appropriate way.”

The text of the prayer is expected to released next week.