Jewish prayer
Tefilat Haderech (the Traveler's Prayer)
Tefilat Haderech, the Traveler's Prayer, in Hebrew, in English letters and with its meaning.
- 1 line
- Under a minute to recite
- Tefilat Haderech (the Traveler's Prayer)
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁתּוֹלִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַצְעִידֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַדְרִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתִסְמְכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַגִּיעֵנוּ לִמְחוֹז חֶפְצֵנוּ לְחַיִּים וּלְשִׂמְחָה וּלְשָׁלוֹם. [וְתַחֲזִירֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם,] וְתַצִּילֵנוּ מִכַּף כׇּל אוֹיֵב וְאוֹרֵב וְלִסְטִים וְחַיּוֹת רָעוֹת בַּדֶּרֶךְ, וּמִכׇּל מִינֵי פֻרְעָנִיּוֹת הַמִּתְרַגְּשׁוֹת וּבָאוֹת לָעוֹלָם. וְתִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ. וְתִתְּנֵנוּ לְחֵן וּלְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים בְּעֵינֶיךָ וּבְעֵינֵי כָל רֹאֵינוּ, וְתִגְמְלֵנוּ חֲסָדִים טוֹבִים, וְתִשְׁמַע קוֹל תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ. כִּי אַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלַּת כָּל פֶּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה.
Copied word for word from the edition named here
Phrase by phrase
Show
- 1
Yehi ratzon milfanecha Adonai Eloheinu vElohei avoteinu, shetolichenu leshalom vetatz'idenu leshalom vetadrichenu leshalom vetismechenu leshalom, vetagi'enu limchoz cheftzenu lechayim ulesimcha uleshalom. Vetachazirenu leshalom, vetatzilenu mikaf kol oyev ve'orev velistim vechayot ra'ot baderech, umikol minei pur'aniyot hamitrageshot uva'ot la'olam. Vetishlach beracha bechol ma'ase yadeinu. Vetitnenu lechen ulechesed ulerachamim be'einecha uve'einei chol ro'einu, vetigmelenu chasadim tovim, vetishma kol tefilatenu. Ki ata shome'a tefilat kol pe. Baruch ata Adonai shome'a tefila.
May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, to lead us in peace, direct our steps in peace, guide us in peace, and sustain us in peace, and bring us to our desired destination in life, joy, and peace. [And return us in peace,] and rescue us from the hand of every enemy, ambusher, and robber, and from wild beasts along the way, and from all kinds of calamities that arise and come upon the world. Send blessing upon all the work of our hands. Grant us grace, kindness, and compassion in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. Bestow loving kindness upon us, and hear the sound of our prayer, for You hear the prayer of every mouth. Blessed are You, Lord, who hears prayer.
Free to read, copy and print. No sign-in.
When it is prayed
In the Jewish tradition, Tefilat Haderech is recited when setting out on a journey, usually after leaving the settled area. It asks God for protection along the way and for a peaceful arrival. Customs vary about which journeys call for it and exactly when to say it.
Where it comes from
Tefilat Haderech comes from the Babylonian Talmud, where it appears in a discussion of prayer and travel in tractate Berakhot. It became part of Jewish prayer practice and is included in many prayer books. Its wording asks for the well-being of fellow travelers as well as oneself.
The Library of Alexandria
Every prayer, and the books they come from
Unlimited eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and printed books at cost price: paperback, hardcover and large print. 5 accounts for the price of one, in 25 languages. Free to start.
- The scriptures, saints and mystics of every faith
- 5 accounts for the price of one, for your whole household
- Paperback, hardcover and large print, at the cost of printing
Free to start. Renews every year. Cancel anytime.
Related prayers and texts
- JewishShema YisraelA central Jewish declaration of God's oneness, drawn from the Hebrew Bible.
- JewishKol Nidre and Yom Kippur prayers (Yizkor, Unetaneh Tokef, Avinu Malkeinu)Avinu Malkeinu is a Jewish prayer asking for mercy, forgiveness and a good life.
- JewishHannah's prayer, Prayer for a soldier, and prayers for livelihood and peace in the home (Hebrew)Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving, praising God’s strength, justice and care for the vulnerable.
- JewishAsher Yatzar and Modeh AniA short Jewish morning prayer thanking God for the return of the soul after sleep.
Questions about Tefilat Haderech (the Traveler's Prayer)
What does Tefilat Haderech mean?
The Hebrew name means “Prayer for the Way,” commonly called the Traveler's Prayer. It asks God for safety, peace and a safe arrival.
When should I say the Traveler's Prayer?
In the Jewish tradition, it is generally said after leaving a settled area on a journey. Details vary by community and by the nature of the trip.
How long does it take to recite?
The prayer is presented here in 1 line and takes under a minute to recite.
What language is Tefilat Haderech in?
Its traditional language is Hebrew. The text here also appears in English letters and with its meaning.
Why does the prayer speak in the plural?
Its plural wording includes other travelers in the request for safety. Even someone traveling alone can pray with the well-being of others in mind.
