JERUSALEM—Amid a sustained campaign against Iranian-backed terror networks, Israel is experiencing a renewed focus on the power and purpose of prayer, particularly during Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. This debate was most recently sparked by discussions across social and religious forums, as the Jewish community across Israel and the diaspora grapple with questions about the boundaries and imperatives of prayer in times of national crisis.
The question at the heart of the discourse—whether it is permissible to pray and make requests on Shabbat—has been answered decisively by leading religious and community figures: not only is such prayer allowed, but it is seen as a vital act of solidarity and faith in the face of existential threats to the nation.
Tradition and Law in Times of War
Jewish law, or halacha, has long recognized prayer as a core obligation. Traditional interpretations recommend limiting certain personal supplications on Shabbat to underscore the day’s celebratory and restful nature. Yet, authorities from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to respected halachic decisors agree that communal and national requests, especially those for the protection of life, healing, and the release of hostages, are not only permissible but required during times of distress. Special prayers for the wellbeing of Israel’s soldiers and citizens, as well as for the return of those held hostage by terror organizations, have become central features of Shabbat observances nationwide.
This religious guidance has taken on new urgency in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre—the single deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust—perpetrated by Hamas terrorists from Gaza. The brutality of that day, marked by widespread atrocities including murder, sexual violence, and the kidnapping of over 240 civilians, has left Israelis united in grief and determination. Israel’s subsequent military operations, designed to dismantle terror networks while defending the civilian population, underscore the existential nature of the conflict and the moral clarity that guides national policy.
Prayer as Collective Resilience
On Friday evenings under the threat of rocket fire, Israeli families and communities gather for the Shabbat meal and prayers, turning ancient ritual into a modern act of resistance and hope. Special liturgical additions, such as chapters of Psalms and the Mi Sheberach prayer for captives and soldiers, echo through synagogues from major cities to the smallest frontline communities.
The Chief of Staff of the IDF, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, recently emphasized the importance of spiritual resilience alongside military preparedness, noting the unique power of faith to unite and sustain the nation during crisis. Whether on the battlefield or at home, Israelis find solace and strength in the continuity of prayer, reflecting a belief that action on earth is complemented by supplication in heaven.
Hostages and the National Conscience
The fate of the hostages abducted on October 7th remains a central concern. Weekly rallies and international campaigns reinforce the distinction between innocent civilians held unjustly by Hamas and convicted terrorists sometimes exchanged for their freedom. Israeli officials consistently highlight the illegality and immorality of hostage-taking, in contrast to the nation’s efforts to uphold law and minimize harm to Gaza residents during military operations.
The sense of communal responsibility drives public prayer gatherings, charity campaigns, and volunteer support for bereaved and displaced families. In these efforts, the lines between religious observance, civic duty, and national defense become blurred, as faith drives both words and deeds.
Context and International Solidarity
The broader geopolitical reality—an Israel encircled by Iranian proxies including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and others across the region—reinforces the urgency behind both practical and spiritual acts of defense. The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz, has consistently called for unity and resolve in coping with an adversary whose tactics violate the fundamental principles of humanity and international law.
Globally, Jewish communities have mirrored this mobilization, organizing prayer vigils, advocacy initiatives, and material aid for victims of terror and war. Major Jewish organizations, as well as secular supporters, stress that the moral and spiritual clarity demonstrated by Israel’s response is vital in an era of rampant misinformation and antisemitism.
Prayer and the Israeli Ethos
For many Israelis, the question of prayer on Shabbat is emblematic of a deeper national character: one that values tradition, persistence, and moral clarity, even—or especially—in times of crisis. The increasing participation in communal prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of solidarity shows a society determined not only to survive enemy assault but to reaffirm the spiritual foundations that have long bound the Jewish people together.
As Israel’s war with Iranian-backed terror networks continues, the voices raised in prayer each Shabbat serve as a potent symbol of communal hope and national determination. Through ancient words and contemporary action, Israelis across all walks of life are drawing upon faith as both shield and strength, confident in the justice of their cause and the enduring power of their tradition.
