Your ways are not like those of man,1Who cannot always fulfill his will. where, then, is Your vengeance2But since You can, why don’t You take revenge from our enemies. and Your enduring counsel? The daughter [Israel] whom You chose to serve You in Your cherished House— is now dominated by [strange] masters and she is unable to cleave unto You.
She groans [saying]: “I am betrothed to my beloved— but the abhorred oppressor— how he has trampled upon me.” The sentence of death, she accepts on herself, though she is exiled [from her land] and coerced by the nations.
The mother3This refers to the Congregation of Israel. is sent away—not divorced, the son, like a lost orphan—is sent off. She, who was likened to a closed-in garden,4Israel, who was protected by its Divine faith, has now been abandoned. has become abandoned like wild grass, and the foundation that was sealed is now trodden and polluted.
Formerly Your wrath lasted but a moment, but now the reverse is true. The [priests who wore the] holy crowns, are now cast into the streets. She, who was beloved of God, was beautiful as “Keren Hafuch” [Job’s daughter, Job 42:14] is now forsaken, and regarded as one [a harlot] with painted eyes.5God considers our love to be insincere.
She, who was of pleasing appearance, has become blackened by hard labor, her sore festers without healing. The day of vengeance—its path is yet closed; the day of redemption— the window is yet sealed.6The time of redemption is concealed from our view.
Our endurance is weakened by the burden;7Of exile. crippled and lame are the survivors of death. Without rest, they stray and wander, they labor and strive, while others reap.
The horn [pride of Israel] was planted in the rich, fertile land [of Israel]. Why has it become trampled like thistles for the furnace? The Guardian above, who never sleeps, why does He let His plant be trampled by the bulls of Bashan [Israel’s enemies].
What profits the vine when it is cut down? What benefit is it to the spreading vine when it is uprooted? She [Israel], who is engraved on God’s palm,8See Isaiah 49:16. and upon His T’filin, why has God’s love for her been withdrawn?
The task of the nations requires minimal effort,9They are required to observe only the seven Noachide laws. but the payment of their wages increases. She [Israel] yearns for Your attention, but her waiting time is prolonged. Each occurrence of trouble is followed immediately by another.
The holy first offerings of the grain heaps10Israel is referred to as God’s first fruits. are scattered like chaff to the ends of the earth, driven by the wind like leaves of the forest. They flee in panic, as pursued by the sword.
Those ninety eight curses [described in the Torah, Deut. 28] and those not described are fulfilled in us. Have mercy, gather us from these [four] corners. Then will they say among the nations: “Adonoy has done great things for them.”
Almighty! King! Who sits on the throne of mercy, governs with kindness forgives the iniquities of His people. He removes their sins one by one, increasing forgiveness to sinners, and pardon to transgressors. Acting righteously with all who are of flesh and spirit; not according to their wickedness does He repay them. Almighty! You instructed us to recite the thirteen Divine attributes; remember unto us this day the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes, as You made them known to the humble Moses of old, as it is written, “And Adonoy descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
15
קהל וחזן:
Congregation and Chazzan:
16
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו וַיִּקְרָא:
And Adonoy passed before him [Moses]; and proclaimed:
Adonoy, Adonoy, Almighty, Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger, and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth. Keeper of kindness for thousands of generations, Endurer of iniquity, and transgression, and sin; and Acquitter of those who repent.” “And pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance.”
Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned, forgive us our King, for we have transgressed. “For You, my Master, are good and forgiving, and abounding in kindness to all who call upon You.”
Let us lift our hearts with our hands to the Almighty in heaven. Our help comes from Adonoy, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let our feet slip; He will not slumber—our Guardian. Behold, He does not slumber, nor does He sleep, the Guardian of Israel. Deliver, Adonoy, Your people, the remnant of Israel.
As a father has compassion on his children so do You have compassion on us, Adonoy. Deliverance is Adonoy’s; upon Your people is Your blessing. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts is with us, a stronghold for us is the God of Jacob. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts! fortunate is the man who trusts in You. Adonoy, deliver us; the King will answer us on the day we call.
“Please pardon the sins of this nation in accordance with the greatness of Your lovingkindness; and as You forgave this people from when it left Egypt until now.” And there it is said:
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וַיֹּאמֶר יְהֹוָה סָלַֽחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ:
“And Adonoy said, I have pardoned [them] as you have asked.”
Incline Your ear, my God, and hear, open Your eyes and behold our desolate places, and the city which is called by Your Name; for it is not on account of our righteousness that we let fall our supplication before You, but because of Your great mercy. My Master, hear! My Master, pardon! My Master, listen and take action, do not delay! For Your sake, my God, because Your Name is proclaimed over Your city and over Your people.
ח. מיוסד על פי א"ב כפול. חתום שלמה הבבלי.
This prayer was composed by Shlomo ben Yehuda, HaBavli
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ
Our God, and God of our fathers!
אֵין כְּמִדַּת בָּשָׂר מִדָּתֶךָ. אַיֵּה קִנְאָתְךָ וַעֲצַת עֲמִידָתֶךָ. בַּת בֵּרַרְתָּ לְבֵית חֶמְדָּתֶךָ. בְּעָלוּהָ אֲדוֹנִים וְאֵין לִצְמִידָתֶךָ:
Your ways are not like those of man,1Who cannot always fulfill his will. where, then, is Your vengeance2But since You can, why don’t You take revenge from our enemies. and Your enduring counsel? The daughter [Israel] whom You chose to serve You in Your cherished House— is now dominated by [strange] masters and she is unable to cleave unto You.
גּוֹעָה, לְדוֹדִי אֲנִי מְאֹרֶסֶת. גּוֹעֵל רוֹדִי אֵיךְ נִדְרֶסֶת. דִּין הֶרֶג לְעַצְמָהּ מַקְנֶסֶת. דְּחוּיָה וְגַם כִּי־נֶאֱנֶסֶת:
She groans [saying]: “I am betrothed to my beloved— but the abhorred oppressor— how he has trampled upon me.” The sentence of death, she accepts on herself, though she is exiled [from her land] and coerced by the nations.
הָאֵם בְּלִי סֵפֶר שָׁלוּחַ. הַבֵּן כְּיָתוֹם אוֹבֵד שָׁלוּחַ. וְגַן־נָעוּל הֶפְקֵר כְּמָלוּחַ. וּמַעְיָן חָתוּם נִרְפַּס דָּלוּחַ:
The mother3This refers to the Congregation of Israel. is sent away—not divorced, the son, like a lost orphan—is sent off. She, who was likened to a closed-in garden,4Israel, who was protected by its Divine faith, has now been abandoned. has become abandoned like wild grass, and the foundation that was sealed is now trodden and polluted.
זַעַם כְּרֶגַע וְעַתָּה לְהִפּוּךְ. זֵרֵי־קֹדֶשׁ עַתָּה לְשִׁפּוּךְ. חִבַּת־רֵעַ כְּקֶרֶן־הַפּוּךְ. חֲשׁוּבָה וַעֲזוּבָה כְּקוֹרַעַת בַּפּוּךְ:
Formerly Your wrath lasted but a moment, but now the reverse is true. The [priests who wore the] holy crowns, are now cast into the streets. She, who was beloved of God, was beautiful as “Keren Hafuch” [Job’s daughter, Job 42:14] is now forsaken, and regarded as one [a harlot] with painted eyes.5God considers our love to be insincere.
טוֹב הַתֹּאַר קְדוֹרַנִּית מִפֶּרֶךְ. טְרִיָּה מַכָּה מִבְּלִי אֶרֶךְ. יוֹם נָקָם נִסְתַּם דֶרֶךְ: יוֹם גְּאֻלָּה נֶחְתַּם חֶרֶךְ:
She, who was of pleasing appearance, has become blackened by hard labor, her sore festers without healing. The day of vengeance—its path is yet closed; the day of redemption— the window is yet sealed.6The time of redemption is concealed from our view.
כֹּחַ הַסַּבָּל הִכְשִׁיל נֶטֶל. כָּסוּל וְשָׁחוּל הַנִּשְׁאָר מִקֶּטֶל. לֹא לְמַרְגֹּעַ נָד וּמְטַלְטֵל. לְעָמָל וְיָגֵעַ וְאַחֵר נוֹטֵל:
Our endurance is weakened by the burden;7Of exile. crippled and lame are the survivors of death. Without rest, they stray and wander, they labor and strive, while others reap.
מַטַּע קֶרֶן שָׁמֵן הַמְּדֻשָׁן. מִרְמָס מַדּוּעַ כַּחֲרוּלֵי־כִּבְשָׁן. נוֹצֵר לְמַעְלָה לֹא יִישָׁן. נִטְעוֹ לְמִשְׁלוֹחַ פָּרוֹת הַבָּשָׁן:
The horn [pride of Israel] was planted in the rich, fertile land [of Israel]. Why has it become trampled like thistles for the furnace? The Guardian above, who never sleeps, why does He let His plant be trampled by the bulls of Bashan [Israel’s enemies].
שֹוֹרֵקָה מַה־בֶּצַע וְנִקְטֶפֶת. סוֹרַחַת מַה־יִּתְרוֹן וְנֶחֱטֶפֶת. עַל־יַד חֲקוּקָה וְטוֹטֶפֶת. עַל־מָה אַהֲבָתָהּ נִשְׁטֶפֶת:
What profits the vine when it is cut down? What benefit is it to the spreading vine when it is uprooted? She [Israel], who is engraved on God’s palm,8See Isaiah 49:16. and upon His T’filin, why has God’s love for her been withdrawn?
פְּעֻלַּת הָרוֹבִים מִיעוּט מְלֶאכֶת. פְּרִיעַת שָׂכָר רַבָּה וְהוֹלֶכֶת. צוֹפֶה הִפָּנוֹת וְעַתָּה נִמְשֶׁכֶת. צָרָה פְקוּדָה וַאֲחֶרֶת נִסְמֶכֶת:
The task of the nations requires minimal effort,9They are required to observe only the seven Noachide laws. but the payment of their wages increases. She [Israel] yearns for Your attention, but her waiting time is prolonged. Each occurrence of trouble is followed immediately by another.
קֹדֶשׁ רֵאשִׁית עֲרֵימַת שְׁעָרִים. קַצְוֵי אֶרֶץ זְרוּיִים כַּשְׂעוֹרִים. רוּחַ מְנַשֶּׁבֶת בַּעֲלֵי־יְעָרִים. רִדּוּף נִשְׁמֶטֶת נָסִים וְנִסְעָרִים:
The holy first offerings of the grain heaps10Israel is referred to as God’s first fruits. are scattered like chaff to the ends of the earth, driven by the wind like leaves of the forest. They flee in panic, as pursued by the sword.
שְׁמוֹנָה וְתִשְׁעִים הָאָלוֹת הָאֵלֶּה. שָׁלְמוּ אֵלֶּה מֵאֵלֶּה וְכָאֵלֶּה. תְּרַחֵם תְּקַבְּצֵנוּ מִקְּרָנוֹת אֵלֶּה: אָז יֹאמְרוּ בַגּוֹיִם הִגְדִּיל יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִם אֵלֶּה:
Those ninety eight curses [described in the Torah, Deut. 28] and those not described are fulfilled in us. Have mercy, gather us from these [four] corners. Then will they say among the nations: “Adonoy has done great things for them.”
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. לֹא כְרָעָתָם תִּגְמוֹל: אֵל הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה:
Almighty! King! Who sits on the throne of mercy, governs with kindness forgives the iniquities of His people. He removes their sins one by one, increasing forgiveness to sinners, and pardon to transgressors. Acting righteously with all who are of flesh and spirit; not according to their wickedness does He repay them. Almighty! You instructed us to recite the thirteen Divine attributes; remember unto us this day the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes, as You made them known to the humble Moses of old, as it is written, “And Adonoy descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
קהל וחזן:
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו וַיִּקְרָא:
And Adonoy passed before him [Moses]; and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד לָאֲלָפִים נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע וְחַטָּאָה וְנַקֵּה: וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ:
Adonoy, Adonoy, Almighty, Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger, and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth. Keeper of kindness for thousands of generations, Endurer of iniquity, and transgression, and sin; and Acquitter of those who repent.” “And pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי טוֹב וְסַלָּח וְרַב חֶֽסֶד לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ:
Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned, forgive us our King, for we have transgressed. “For You, my Master, are good and forgiving, and abounding in kindness to all who call upon You.”
נִשָּׂא לְבָבֵנוּ אֶל כַּפָּיִם אֶל אֵל בַּשָּׁמָיִם: עֶזְרֵנוּ מֵעִם יְהֹוָה עוֹשֵׂה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ: אַל יִתֵּן לַמּוֹט רַגְלֵנוּ אַל יָנוּם שׁוֹמְרֵנוּ: הִנֵּה לֹא יָנוּם וְלֹא יִישָׁן שׁוֹמֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל: הוֹשַׁע יְהֹוָה אֶת עַמְּךָ אֵת שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל:
Let us lift our hearts with our hands to the Almighty in heaven. Our help comes from Adonoy, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let our feet slip; He will not slumber—our Guardian. Behold, He does not slumber, nor does He sleep, the Guardian of Israel. Deliver, Adonoy, Your people, the remnant of Israel.
כְּרַחֵם אָב עַל בָּנִים כֵּן תְּרַחֵם יְהֹוָה עָלֵֽינוּ: לַיהֹוָה הַיְשׁוּעָה, עַל עַמְּךָ בִרְכָתֶֽךָ סֶּֽלָה: יְהֹוָה צְבָאוֹת עִמָּֽנוּ מִשְׂגָּב לָֽנוּ, אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב סֶֽלָה: יְהֹוָה צְבָאוֹת, אַשְׁרֵי אָדָם בֹּֽטֵֽחַ בָּךְ: יְהֹוָה הוֹשִֽׁיעָה, הַמֶּֽלֶךְ יַעֲנֵֽנוּ בְיוֹם קָרְאֵנוּ:
As a father has compassion on his children so do You have compassion on us, Adonoy. Deliverance is Adonoy’s; upon Your people is Your blessing. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts is with us, a stronghold for us is the God of Jacob. Selah! Adonoy of Hosts! fortunate is the man who trusts in You. Adonoy, deliver us; the King will answer us on the day we call.
סְלַח נָא לַעֲוֹן הָעָם הַזֶּה, כְּגֹֽדֶל חַסְדֶּֽךָ. וְכַאֲשֶׁר נָשָֽׂאתָה לָעָם הַזֶּה. מִמִּצְרַֽיִם וְעַד הֵֽנָּה. וְשָׁם נֶאֱמַר:
“Please pardon the sins of this nation in accordance with the greatness of Your lovingkindness; and as You forgave this people from when it left Egypt until now.” And there it is said:
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהֹוָה סָלַֽחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ:
“And Adonoy said, I have pardoned [them] as you have asked.”
הַטֵּה אֱלֹהַי אָזְנְךָ וּשְׁמָע, פְּקַח עֵינֶֽיךָ וּרְאֵה שֹׁמְמֹתֵֽינוּ, וְהָעִיר אֲשֶׁר נִקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלֶֽיהָ כִּי לֹא עַל צִדְקֹתֵֽינוּ, אֲנַֽחְנוּ מַפִּילִים תַּחֲנוּנֵֽינוּ לְפָנֶֽיךָ, כִּי עַל רַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים: אֲדֹנָי שְׁמָֽעָה, אֲדֹנָי סְלָֽחָה, אֲדֹנָי הַקְשִֽׁיבָה וַעֲשֵׂה, אַל תְּאַחַר. לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהַי, כִּי שִׁמְךָ נִקְרָא עַל עִירְךָ וְעַל עַמֶּֽךָ:
Incline Your ear, my God, and hear, open Your eyes and behold our desolate places, and the city which is called by Your Name; for it is not on account of our righteousness that we let fall our supplication before You, but because of Your great mercy. My Master, hear! My Master, pardon! My Master, listen and take action, do not delay! For Your sake, my God, because Your Name is proclaimed over Your city and over Your people.