Introduction
In previous generations, traveling out of the city was generally a very dangerous thing to do. Packs of wild animals and bands of robbers roamed freely on the roads, and traveling posed a genuine danger to one’s life. For people traveling on such roads, our Sages composed “the Traveler’s Prayer,” a special prayer that we recite to ask G-d to protect us while we journey. The words of the prayer constitute a plea to G-d to protect us and save us from anything that might cause us harm.
Even today, despite the fact that it is much safer to travel by airplane, train, or motor vehicle, there are still plenty of potential dangers. Just thinking about the driving habits of many of the motorists we encounter on the road should be enough to convince us of the enduring relevance of the Traveler’s Prayer.
The Text of the Prayer
The following is a translation of the Hebrew prayer. For the Hebrew text, consult any prayer book.
May it be Your Will, O G-d, our L-rd and the L-rd of our forefathers, that You lead us toward peace, You direct our footsteps toward peace, You guide us toward peace, You bring us close to peace, and You cause us to reach our desired destination for life, for joy, and for peace (and You return us to peace)*, and that You save us from the hands of every enemy, foe, robber, and wild animal on the road, and from all punishments that are stirred up to come to the world, and that You send blessing in all of our deeds, and that You grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us, and that You perform good kindnesses for us, and that You hear the voice of our prayers, for You hear the prayer of every mouth. Blessed are You, G-d, Who hears prayer.
- The words “and You return us to peace” are included only by a person who plans to return home on the same day.
When and How to Recite It
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- The Traveler’s Prayer is recited only on an intercity trip, when one has already traveled about four kilometers past the official boundaries of the city from which he has departed. It is recited only on a trip in which one passes through uninhabited areas. Thus, a person who is traveling on a road on which the cities are adjacent or very close together would not recite the Wayfarer’s Prayer even on a very lengthy trip.
- When a group of people are traveling together in a single vehicle, one person may recite the prayer aloud on behalf of them all. The others should respond “Amen,” at the conclusion of the prayer, and they will thereby fulfill their own obligation to recite it.
- Even if a person makes several trips over the course of a single day, he should recite the Traveler’s Prayer only on the first trip.
- Whenever possible, it is preferable to stop one’s car at the side of the road in order to recite this prayer while standing. (This should only be done in a safe area!)
