Uniting for the Hostages: An Inspiring Global Shabbat of Hope, Prayer, and Outcry

The Tikvah Forum and the Hidabroot Organization, in collaboration with many organizations, have launched an inspiring initiative: a worldwide Shabbat of connection and prayer for the quick return of all the hostages to their homes.

The initiative involves organizations like the Union of Community Rabbis, Ayelet HaShachar, and Kisufim. Families of hostages will be hosted in various communities throughout the country for Shabbat to strengthen together in prayer for their return.

How to join?

On the upcoming Shabbat, Shabbat of Parashat Vayeshev, the 20th of Kislev (21.12.24), we will add an extra candle during candle lighting and dedicate it to the hostages, praying they emerge from darkness into light and that Hashem will illuminate their way through the darkness of the Hamas captivity. When lighting the candle, we will plead in prayer to Hashem that they may quickly come from darkness to light and from bondage to redemption, sending them strength to cope with the terrible darkness.

Additionally, during the singing of "Lecha Dodi" on Friday night, we will go out into the streets with printed pages of the poem, inviting passersby to sing with us in prayer, to awaken and inspire: "Awaken, awaken, for your light has come, rise and shine," and in calling, may they all return safely to their homes, "Come in peace ... within the faithful of the treasured nation".

As part of the initiative, before Shabbat, print the list of names of the 100 hostages and mention them. This can be done during the opening of the ark during Shacharit prayer, the Torah reading, before shared recitation of Psalms, or during Havdalah, and by adding good deeds in their merit.

The entire Jewish people are called to participate in the initiative, to unite in unity, observing Shabbat, and praying for the hostages.