Israel’s Chief Rabbis have instructed synagogues nationwide to dedicate prayers on Yom Kippur for the rescue of hostages in Gaza, the souls of October 7 victims, and the safety of IDF soldiers.
A National Call to Prayer
The Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rishon LeZion Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Meir Ber, have issued a special letter to rabbis and communities across the country, urging that this Yom Kippur’s prayers include a dedicated plea for the 48 hostages still held in Gaza.
The Chief Rabbis requested that the prayer be recited before Kol Nidrei, the central opening prayer of Yom Kippur, underscoring the urgency of the moment.
Prayers for the Fallen and the Wounded
The letter also instructed synagogues to recite prayers for:
- The souls of those murdered in the October 7 massacre and in the Swords of Iron War.
- The healing of the wounded still recovering from the terror attack and war.
- The protection of IDF soldiers, that they may return home safely.
Rabbi Yosef: “Do Not Forget Our Brothers in Captivity”
Speaking at a large Selichot event alongside Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, Rabbi Yosef stressed the moral duty of every Jew to pray for the captives:
“First of all, I want us not to forget — we are all obligated to pray for our brothers, the children of Israel, who are in trouble and captivity.”
He added:
“We trust only in the Creator… We believe that He will bring them out of darkness into great light, soon.”
Rabbi Yosef also called for prayers for the soldiers of the IDF:
“That the Holy One, blessed be He, will guard their going out and coming in, and that they all return home safe and sound to a good life and in peace.”
A Yom Kippur of Unity and Faith
The Chief Rabbis’ appeal transforms this Yom Kippur into a day not only of personal repentance but of national solidarity, binding together the Jewish people in prayer for redemption, healing, and protection.
