Parashat Metzora: Cleansing Rituals

Metzora opens by describing the purification process and accompanying sacrifices for one infected with tzaraat, a discoloration condition on the skin. It then describes the process of treating a house infected with tzaraat and the ritual impurity generated by certain bodily discharges.
Tazria The metzora being purified with the two birds Simon Fokke 1712-1784
[Source photo: Tazria The metzora being purified with the two birds Simon Fokke 1712-1784]

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Numbers (“Bemidbar”) is the fourth book of the Torah, Judaism’s foundational text. It describes
AspectDescription
Parasha NumberThe 28th Parasha in the Book of Leviticus (Vayikra).
Parasha NameMetzora (מְּצֹרָע), translating to “leprous person” in Hebrew, referencing the purification rituals for those afflicted with tzara’at (a spiritual affliction often mistranslated as leprosy).
Torah BookLeviticus (Vayikra).
Number of VersesComprises 59 verses.
Number of WordsApproximately 1,118 words in the Hebrew text.
Primary CharactersKey figures include Moses, Aaron, and the priests, with God communicating instructions regarding the purification rituals for those afflicted with tzara’at, as well as the process for declaring them ritually clean.
Key ThemesFocuses on laws concerning purification rituals for individuals afflicted with tzara’at, the process for declaring them ritually clean, and guidelines for reintegrating them into the community.
Significant EventsDescribes the rituals for diagnosing tzara’at, the isolation of affected individuals, the procedures for declaring them ritually clean, and the offerings required for their purification and reintegration into the community.
Notable Quotes“This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: he shall be brought unto the priest.” (Leviticus 14:2)
LegacyParashat Metzora contributes to the understanding of ritual purity and communal responsibility in Jewish tradition, emphasizing the importance of compassion, rehabilitation, and the restoration of those marginalized by illness.
Relevance TodayThe themes of ritual purity, communal responsibility, and compassion towards the marginalized remain relevant in contemporary Jewish practice, guiding individuals in matters of personal and communal holiness.
Well-Known StoriesInclude the laws of tzara’at, the purification rituals for those afflicted, and the process for their reintegration into the community.
Special ObservancesIntegral to synagogue services, prompting reflection on ritual purity, communal responsibility, and the importance of compassion and rehabilitation for those marginalized by illness.
Connections to TextsMetzora builds upon preceding narratives in Leviticus, particularly regarding ritual purity and communal regulations, providing further guidelines for maintaining spiritual and physical health within the community.
Theological SignificanceHighlights the importance of compassion, rehabilitation, and communal responsibility in matters of ritual purity, emphasizing the role of the community in supporting and restoring individuals affected by illness.

Parashat Metzora intricately explores the laws and rituals surrounding ritual purity, particularly focusing on the condition of tzara’at, often mistranslated as leprosy. This parasha follows a comprehensive set of guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and reintegrating individuals afflicted with tzara’at into the community. Through the narratives involving Moses, Aaron, and the priests, God communicates the intricate procedures necessary for the purification and ritual cleansing of those affected by this spiritual malady.

The parasha begins by detailing the signs and symptoms of tzara’at and the process by which a priest examines a suspected case. If the condition is confirmed, the afflicted individual is isolated from the community to prevent the spread of impurity. Throughout this period of isolation, the individual undergoes a series of examinations and rituals performed by the priest to monitor the progression of the affliction and determine when it is safe for them to reintegrate into society.

Central to the narrative is the concept of ritual purity and its significance in maintaining the spiritual health of the community. The meticulous procedures outlined in Parashat Metzora underscore the importance of maintaining purity not only in physical spaces but also within the individual soul. The parasha emphasizes that impurities are not merely physical but also spiritual, requiring a holistic approach to cleansing and restoration.

Moreover, Parashat Metzora emphasizes the communal responsibility to care for and support those who are marginalized or afflicted. The process of purification and reintegration outlined in the parasha involves not only the afflicted individual and the priests but also the entire community. Through their actions and attitudes towards the afflicted, the community demonstrates its commitment to compassion, empathy, and social cohesion.

Furthermore, Parashat Metzora serves as a poignant reminder of the power of redemption and restoration. Despite the stigma associated with tzara’at and the isolation it necessitates, the parasha offers a path to healing and reconciliation. By following the prescribed rituals and demonstrating genuine repentance, individuals afflicted with tzara’at can be cleansed of impurity and welcomed back into the community with open arms.

In contemporary Jewish practice, Parashat Metzora continues to hold relevance as it addresses timeless themes of purity, community, and compassion. The parasha prompts individuals to reflect on their own spiritual health and their responsibilities towards others in the community. It serves as a call to action to uphold the values of empathy, inclusivity, and social justice, ensuring that all members of the community are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.

מצורע

י״ד:א׳-ט״ו:ל״ג

Metzora

Leviticus 14:1-15:33

מלכים ב

ז׳:ג׳-כ׳

 
 

On Shabbat HaGadol

מלאכי

ג׳:ד׳-כ״ד

II Kings

7:3-20
(on Shabbat HaGadol, read Haftara Malachi
3:4-24, below)

 
 

Shabbat HaGadol

(read this Haftara instead)

Malachi

3:4-24

Then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem shall be pleasing to GOD as in the days of yore and in the years of old.
But [first] I will step forward to contend against you, and I will act as a relentless accuser against those who have no fear of Me: Who practice sorcery, who commit adultery, who swear falsely, who cheat laborers of their hire, and who subvert [the cause of] the widow, orphan, and stranger, said GOD of Hosts.
For I am GOD —I have not changed; and you are the children of Jacob—you have not ceased to be.
From the very days of your ancestors you have turned away from My laws and have not observed them. Turn back to Me, and I will turn back to you—said GOD of Hosts. But you ask, “How shall we turn back?”
Ought mortals to defraud God? Yet you are defrauding Me. And you ask, “How have we been defrauding You?” In tithe and contribution.
You are suffering under a curse, yet you go on defrauding Me—the whole nation of you.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, and let there be food in My House, and thus put Me to the test—said GOD of Hosts. I will surely open the floodgates of the sky for you and pour down blessings on you;
and I will banish the locusts from you, so that they will not destroy the yield of your soil; and your vines in the field shall no longer miscarry—said GOD of Hosts.
And all the nations shall account you happy, for you shall be the most desired of lands—said GOD of Hosts.
You have spoken hard words against Me—said GOD. But you ask, “What have we been saying among ourselves against You?”
You have said, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping God’s charge and walking in abject awe of GOD of Hosts?
And so, we account the arrogant happy: they have indeed done evil and endured; they have indeed dared God and escaped.”
In this vein have those who revere GOD been talking to one another. GOD has heard and noted it, and a scroll of remembrance has been written at God’s behest concerning those who revere GOD and esteem the holy name.
And on the day that I am preparing, said GOD of Hosts, they shall be My treasured possession; I will be tender toward them as a man is tender toward a son who ministers to him.
And you shall come to see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who have served God and those who have not.
For lo! That day is at hand, burning like an oven. All the arrogant and all the doers of evil shall be straw, and the day that is coming—said GOD of Hosts—shall burn them to ashes and leave of them neither stock nor boughs.
But for you who revere My name a sun of victory shall rise to bring healing. You shall go forth and stamp like stall-fed calves,
and you shall trample the wicked to a pulp, for they shall be dust beneath your feet on the day that I am preparing—said GOD of Hosts.
Be mindful of the Teaching of My servant Moses, whom I charged at Horeb with laws and rules for all Israel.
Lo, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the coming of the awesome, fearful day of GOD.
He shall reconcile parents with children and children with their parents, so that, when I come, I do not strike the whole land with utter destruction.

Metzora

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Quick Guide: The Five Books of Moses

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy
Bereshit
(1:1-6:8)
Shemot
(1:1-6:1)
Vayikra
(1:1-5:26)
Bemidbar
(1:1-4:20)
Devarim
(1:1-3:22)
Noach
(6:9-11:32)
Va'era
(6:2-9:35)
Tzav
(6:1-8:36)
Naso
(4:21-7:89)
Va'etchanan
(3:23-7:11)
Lech Lecha
(12:1-17:27)
Bo
(10:1-13:16)
Shemini
(9:1-11:47)
Behaalotecha
(8:1-12:16)
Ekev
(7:12-11:25)
Vayera
(18:1-22:24)
Beshalach
(13:17-17:16)
Tazria
(12:1-13:59)
Shelach
(13:1-15:41)
Re'eh
(11:26-16:17)
Chaye Sarah
(23:1-25:18)
Yitro
(18:1-20:23)
Metzora
(14:1-15:33)
Korach
(16:1-18:32)
Shoftim
(16:18-21:9)
Toledot
(25:19-28:9)
Mishpatim
(21:1-24:18)
Achare Mot
(16:1-18:30)
Chukat
(19:1-22:1)
Ki Tetze
(21:10-25:19)
Vayetze
(28:10-32:3)
Terumah
(25:1-27:19)
Kedoshim
(19:1-20:27)
Balak
(22:2-25:9)
Ki Tavo
(26:1-29:8)
Vayishlach
(32:4-36:43)
Tetzaveh
(27:20-30:10)
Emor
(21:1-24:23)
Pinchas
(25:10-30:1)
Nitzavim
(29:9-30:20)
Vayeshev
(37:1-40:23)
Ki Tisa
(30:11-34:35)
Behar
(25:1-26:2)
Matot
(30:2-32:42)
Vayelech
(31:1-30)
Miketz
(41:1-44:17)
Vayakhel
(35:1-38:20)
Bechukotai
(26:3-27:34)
Masei
(33:1-36:13)
Haazinu
(32:1-52)
Vayigash
(44:18-47:27)
Pekude
(38:21-40:38)
V'Zot HaBeracha
(33:1-34:12)
Vayechi
(47:28-50:26)

RESOURCES

Mourner’s Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom), traditionally said by mourners––that is, those who have lost a parent during the previous eleven months or a child, sibling, or spouse during the last thirty days––and by those observing the anniversary of the death of those close relatives. (In many contemporary communities, the full congregation says it in support of the mourners, and in memory of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, assuming that at least one died on any given day.) The mourner’s Kaddish omits lines 7 and 8 of the Full Kaddish that asks God to answer our prayers because presumably, God did not grant the mourner’s prayers that the relative recover and live).
אבל: יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא
[קהל: אמן] בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ בְּחַיֵּיכון וּבְיוֹמֵיכון וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] קהל ואבל: יְהֵא שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא מְבָרַךְ לְעָלַם וּלְעָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא אבל: יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִשְׁתַּבַּח וְיִתְפָּאַר וְיִתְרומַם וְיִתְנַשּא וְיִתְהַדָּר וְיִתְעַלֶּה וְיִתְהַלָּל שְׁמֵהּ דְּקֻדְשָׁא. בְּרִיךְ הוּא: [קהל: בריך הוא:] לְעֵלָּא מִן כָּל בִּרְכָתָא בעשי”ת: לְעֵלָּא לְעֵלָּא מִכָּל וְשִׁירָתָא תֻּשְׁבְּחָתָא וְנֶחֱמָתָא דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְמָא. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] יְהֵא שְׁלָמָא רַבָּא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְחַיִּים עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן] עושה שָׁלום בִּמְרומָיו הוּא יַעֲשה שָׁלום עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: [קהל: אמן]

וְזֹ֖את הַתּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ תּוֹרָ֥ה צִוָּה־לָ֖נוּ מֹשֶׁ֑ה מוֹרָשָׁ֖ה קְהִלַּ֥ת יַעֲקֹֽב׃ הָאֵל֮ תָּמִ֢ים דַּ֫רְכּ֥וֹ אִמְרַֽת־יְהֹוָ֥ה צְרוּפָ֑ה מָגֵ֥ן ה֝֗וּא לְכֹ֤ל ׀ הַחֹסִ֬ים בּֽוֹ׃

Before reading the Torah:

הַשֵּׁם עִמָּכֶם.
יְבָרֶכְךָ הַשֵּׁם.

בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ:
בָּרוּךְ יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:
בָּרוּךְ יְהֹוָה הַמְּבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בָּנוּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים וְנָתַן לָנוּ אֶת תּוֹרָתוֹ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה: [אמן]

After reading the Torah:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָנוּ אֶת תּוֹרָתוֹ תּוֹרַת אֱמֶת, וְחַיֵּי עוֹלָם נָטַע בְּתוֹכֵנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה, נוֹתֵן הַתּוֹרָה: [אמן]

Beracha recited before the reading of the Haftara:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם. אֲשֶׁר בָּחַר בִּנְבִיאִים טוֹבִים. וְרָצָה בְדִבְרֵיהֶם הַנֶּאֱמָרִים בֶּאֱמֶת. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. הַבּוֹחֵר בַּתּוֹרָה וּבְמשֶׁה עַבְדּוֹ. וּבְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַמּוֹ. וּבִנְבִיאֵי הָאֱמֶת וָצֶדֶק:

Berachot recited after the reading of the Haftara:

גֹּאֲלֵ֕נוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה צְבָא֖וֹת שְׁמ֑וֹ קְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם. צוּר כָּל הָעוֹלָמִים. צַדִּיק בְּכָל הַדּוֹרוֹת. הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן הָאוֹמֵר וְעוֹשֶׂה. הַמְדַבֵּר וּמְקַיֵּם שֶׁכָּל דְּבָרָיו אֱמֶת וָצֶדֶק: נֶאֱמָן אַתָּה הוּא יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וְנֶאֱמָנִים דְּבָרֶיךָ. וְדָבָר אֶחָד מִדְּבָרֶיךָ אָחוֹר לֹא יָשׁוּב רֵיקָם. כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ נֶאֱמָן וְרַחֲמָן אָתָּה: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן בְּכָל דְּבָרָיו:

רַחֵם עַל צִיּוֹן כִּי הִיא בֵּית חַיֵּינוּ. וְלַעֲלוּבַת נֶפֶשׁ תּוֹשִׁיעַ וּתְשַׂמַּח בִּמְהֵרָה בְּיָמֵינוּ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מְשַׂמֵּחַ צִיּוֹן בְּבָנֶיהָ:

שַׂמְּחֵנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּאֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא עַבְדֶּךָ וּבְמַלְכוּת בֵּית דָּוִד מְשִׁיחֶךָ. בִּמְהֵרָה יָבוֹא וְיָגֵל לִבֵּנוּ. עַל כִּסְאוֹ לֹא יֵשֵׁב זָר וְלֹא יִנְחֲלוּ עוֹד אֲחֵרִים אֶת כְּבוֹדוֹ. כִּי בְשֵׁם קָדְשְׁךָ נִשְׁבַּעְתָּ לוֹ שֶׁלֹּא יִכְבֶּה נֵרוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מָגֵן דָּוִד:

On Fast-days, the berachot end here. On Shabbat, conclude with this beracha:

עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל הַנְּבִיאִים וְעַל יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה שֶׁנָּתַתָּ לָנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ לִקְדֻשָּׁה וְלִמְנוּחָה לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת: עַל הַכֹּל. יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ. יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת:

On Yom Tov, conclude with this berachah:

עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל הַנְּבִיאִים (לשבת וְעַל יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה), וְעַל יוֹם: לפסח: חַג הַמַּצּוֹת: לשבועות: חַג הַשָׁבוּעוֹת: לסוכות: חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת: לשמ”ע ולש”ת: שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת הֶחָג: הַזֶּה: שֶׁנָּתַתָּ לָנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ (לשבת לִקְדֻשָּׁה וְלִמְנוּחָה) לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה, לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת, עַל הַכֹּל. יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ. יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מְקַדֵּשׁ (הַשַּׁבָּת וְ)יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְמַנִים:

On Rosh HaShana, conclude with this berachah:

עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל הַנְּבִיאִים (לשבת וְעַל יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה) וְעַל יוֹם הַזִכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה, שֶׁנָּתַתָּ לָנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ (לשבת לִקְדֻשָּׁה וְלִמְנוּחָה) לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת: עַל הַכֹּל. יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ. יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מְקַדֵּשׁ (הַשַּׁבָּת וְ)יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן:

On Yom Kippur, conclude with this berachah:

עַל הַתּוֹרָה וְעַל הָעֲבוֹדָה וְעַל הַנְּבִיאִים (לשבת וְעַל יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה) וְעַל יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים הַזֶּה, שֶׁנָּתַתָּ לָנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ (לשבת לִקְדֻשָּׁה וְלִמְנוּחָה) לִמְחִילָה וְלִסְלִיחָה וּלְכַפָּרָה, וְלִמְחוֹל בּוֹ אֶת כָּל עֲוֹנוֹתֵינוּ, לְכָבוֹד וּלְתִפְאָרֶת: עַל הַכֹּל. יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ. יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: וּדְבָרְךָ אֱמֶת וְקַיָם לָעַד, בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה. מֶלֶךְ מוֹחֵל וְסוֹלֵחַ לַעֲוֹנוֹתֵינוּ, וְלַעֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּמַעֲבִיר אַשְׁמוֹתֵינוּ בְּכָל שָׁנָה וְשָׁנָה, מֶלֶךְ עַל כָּל הָאָרֶץ, מְקַדֵּשׁ (הַשַּׁבָּת וְ)יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים:

מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ לַקָּהָל

Blessing for the Community
This is the blessing recited for the congregation, usually during synagogue services. This blessing is typically offered for the entire community, asking for divine protection, prosperity, and well-being for all members of the congregation.

יְהִי שֵׁם יְהוָה מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם:
מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב וּמֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן וְדָוִד וּשְׁלֹמֹה, וְכָל הַקְּהִלּוֹת הַקְּדוֹשׁוֹת וְהַטְּהוֹרוֹת, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת־כָּל־הַקָּהָל הַקָּדוֹשׁ הַזֶּה, גְּדוֹלִים וּקְטַנִּים, הֵם וּנְשֵׁיהֶם וּבְנֵיהֶם וְתַלְמִידֵיהֶם, וְכָל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם. מַלְכָּא דְעָלְמָא הוּא יְבָרֵךְ יַתְכוֹן, וִיזַכֶּה יַתְכוֹן, וְיִשְׁמַע בְּקָל צְלוֹתְכוֹן, תִּתְפָּרְקוּן וְתִשְׁתֵּזְבוּן מִכָּל צָרָה וְעַקְתָּא, וִיהֵא מֵימְרָא דַּיהֹוָה בְּסַעְדְּכֶם, וְיָגֵן בַּעַדְכֶם, וְיִפְרוֹשׂ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמוֹ עֲלֵיכֶם, וְיִטַּע בֵּינֵיכֶם אַהֲבָה וְאַחְוָה, שָׁלוֹם וְרֵעוּת, וִיסַלֵּק שִׂנְאַת חִנָּם מִבֵּינֵיכֶם, וְיִשְׁבּוֹר עֹל הַגּוֹיִם מֵעַל צַוָּארֵיכֶם, וִיקַיֵּם בָּכֶם מִקְרָא שֶׁכָּתוּב יְהֹוָ֞ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י אֲבֽוֹתֵכֶ֗ם יֹסֵ֧ף עֲלֵיכֶ֛ם כָּכֶ֖ם אֶ֣לֶף פְּעָמִ֑ים וִיבָרֵ֣ךְ אֶתְכֶ֔ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר לָכֶֽם׃ בשבת תשובה וְיִכָּתְבוּ בְסֵפֶר חַיִּים טוֹבִים. וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן:

Tefilat HaDerech (Hebrew: תפילת הדרך), also known as the Traveler’s Prayer or Wayfarer’s Prayer in English, is a prayer for safe travel recited by Jews when traveling by air, sea, or long car trips. It is recited at the start of every journey, preferably standing, but this is not required. It is frequently inscribed on hamsas, which may also include the Shema or Birkat HaBayit prayer.

In the “Blessing of Thanksgiving” (Birkat HaGomel), persons in four different categories should express gratitude to God for His compassion toward them: One who has done one of the following: a) traveled across the ocean (by an international flight, etc.); b) traversed the desert; c) recovered from a very serious illness; d) been released from prison. All other potentially fatal circumstances that one escapes, such as a wall crumbling on him, an ox goring him, thieves, auto accidents, etc., fall under the category of desert.

Recite the following:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַגּוֹמֵל לְחַיָּבִים טוֹבוֹת שֶׁגְּמָלַנִי כָּל טוֹב.

Response:

מִי שֶׁגְמַלְךָ כֹּל טוֹב הוּא יִגְמַלְךָ כֹּל טוֹב סֶלָה.

NameSymbolSephardi
Sof passukב׃‎סוֹף פָּסֽוּק‎
Sof pasuk
Etnachtaב֑‎אַתְנָ֑ח‎
Atnaḥ
Segolב֒‎סְגוֹלְתָּא֒‎
Segolta
Shalsheletב֓‎שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת‎
Šalšeleþ
Zakef katanב֔‎זָקֵף קָט֔וֹן‎
Záqéf Qáţown
Zakef gadolב֕‎זָקֵף גָּד֕וֹל‎
Záqéf Ggádowl
Tifchaב֖‎טַרְחָ֖א‎
Tarḥa
Riviaב֗‎רְבִ֗יע‎
Revia
Zarkaב֮‎זַרְקָא֮‎
Zarqa
Pashtaב֙‎קַדְמָא֙‎
Qadma
Shene pashtinב֨‎ב֙‎תְּרֵ֨י קַדְמִין֙‎
Tere qadmin
Yetivב֚‎יְ֚תִיב‎
Yetiv
Tevirב֛‎תְּבִ֛יר‎
Tviyr
Pazerב֡‎פָּזֶר גָּד֡וֹל‎
Pazer gadol
Qarne farahב֟‎קַרְנֵי פָרָ֟ה‎
Qarne farah
Telisha gedolaב֠‎תִּ֠רְצָה‎
Tirtzah
Gereshב֜‎גְּרִ֜ישׁ‎
Gerish
Gershayimב֞‎שְׁנֵי גְרִישִׁ֞ין‎
Shene gerishin
Munachב׀‎פָּסֵ֣ק׀‎
Paseq
Merchaב֥‎מַאֲרִ֥יךְ‎
Maarich
Munachב֣‎שׁוֹפָר הוֹלֵ֣ךְ‎
Shofar holech
Mahpachב֤‎‏(שׁוֹפָר) מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ‎
(Shofar) mehuppach
Dargaב֧‎דַּרְגָּ֧א‎
Ddarggá
Kadmaב֨‎אַזְלָ֨א or קַדְמָ֨א‎
Azla or Qadma[18]
Telisha ketanaב֩‎תַּלְשָׁא֩‎
Talsha
Mercha kefulaב֦‎תְּרֵי טַעֲמֵ֦י‎
Tere ta’ame
Yerach ben yomoב֪‎יֵרֶח בֶּן יוֹמ֪וֹ‎
Yeraḥ ben yomo

Spanish-Portuguese custom

זַרְקָא֮ מַקַּף־שׁוֹפָר־הוֹלֵ֣ךְ סְגוֹלְתָּא֒ פָּזֵר גָּד֡וֹל
תַ֠לְשָׁא תִּ֩ילְשָׁא אַזְלָ֨א גֵּ֜רֵישׁ פָּסֵק  ׀  רָבִ֗יעַ שְׁנֵי־גֵרֵישִׁ֞ין
דַּרְגָ֧א תְּבִ֛יר מַאֲרִ֥יךְ טַרְחָ֖א אַתְנָ֑ח שׁוֹפָר־מְהֻפָּ֤ךְ
קַדְמָא֙ תְּרֵ֨י־קַדְמִין֙ זָקֵף־קָט֔וֹן זָקֵף־גָּד֕וֹל שַׁלְשֶׁ֓לֶת
תְּרֵי־טַעֲמֵ֦י יְ֚תִיב סוֹף־פָּסֽוּק׃

Sephardic U Calendar

The Five Books

Bereshit, בְּרֵאשִׁית
Noach, נֹחַ
Lech-Lecha, לֶךְ-לְךָ
Vayera, וַיֵּרָא
Chaye Sarah, חַיֵּי שָׂרָה
Toledot, תּוֹלְדֹת
Vayetze, וַיֵּצֵא
Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁלַח
Vayeshev, וַיֵּשֶׁב
Miketz, מִקֵּץ
Vayigash, וַיִּגַּשׁ
Vayechi, וַיְחִי
Shemot, שְׁמוֹת
Va’era, וָאֵרָא
Bo, בֹּא
Beshalach, בְּשַׁלַּח
Yitro, יִתְרוֹ
Mishpatim, מִּשְׁפָּטִים
Teruma, תְּרוּמָה
Tetzave, תְּצַוֶּה
Ki Tisa, כִּי תִשָּׂא
*Vayakhel, וַיַּקְהֵל
Pekudei, פְקוּדֵי
Vayikra, וַיִּקְרָא
Tzav, צַו
Shemini, שְּׁמִינִי
*Tazria, תַזְרִיעַ
Metzora, מְּצֹרָע
*Achare Mot, אַחֲרֵי מוֹת
Kedoshim, קְדֹשִׁים
Emor, אֱמֹר
*Behar, בְּהַר
Behukotai, בְּחֻקֹּתַי
Bemidbar, בְּמִדְבַּר
Naso, נָשֹׂא
Behaalotecha, בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ
Shlach, שְׁלַח-לְךָ
Korach, קֹרַח
*Chukat, חֻקַּת
Balak, בָּלָק
Pinchas, פִּינְחָס
*Matot, מַּטּוֹת
Masei, מַסְעֵי
Devarim, דְּבָרִים
Va’etchanan, וָאֶתְחַנַּן
Ekev, עֵקֶב
Re’eh, רְאֵה
Shoftim, שֹׁפְטִים
Ki Tetze, כִּי-תֵצֵא
Ki Tavo, כִּי-תָבוֹא
*Nitzavim, נִצָּבִים
Vayelech, וַיֵּלֶךְ
Haazinu, הַאֲזִינוּ
V’Zot HaBerachah, וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה
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