Rabbi Emanuel Shahar
Prayer after Shabbat — Elaha de-Meir aneni and the start of the week
At the close of Shabbat, as the light of rest accompanies a person into the working days, there is space to pray for the road ahead. Jewish traditions associate this time with prayer, charity and recalling the merit of the righteous. One familiar expression is ‘Elaha de-Meir aneni’ — ‘God of Meir, answer me.’
Prayer to the Creator in the merit of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes
The request is addressed to the Holy One, blessed be He, invoking the merit of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes. Different communities preserve different wordings: some say ‘Elaha de-Meir aneni,’ while others add ‘de-Rabbi Meir’ or ‘de-Rabbenu Meir Baal HaNes.’ Each person should follow the custom of their teachers and community.
The essence of prayer lies not in many words but in the heart’s intention: gratitude for what has been given, asking for compassion where something is lacking, and a willingness to add goodness to the world. Even when praying for a personal need, it is fitting to include everyone who needs deliverance.
Text of the prayer
God of our teacher Meir Baal HaNes, answer us.
God of our teacher Meir Baal HaNes, answer us.
God of our teacher Meir Baal HaNes, answer us.
May it be your will, LORD our God and God of our ancestors: just as you heard the prayer of your servant Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes and performed miracles and wonders for him, so may you do for me and for all your people Israel who need miracles, revealed and hidden.
Here you may state your personal request in simple words.
Charity and Psalms
The tradition accompanying this prayer mentions giving charity, including an amount corresponding to chai, eighteen, according to one’s means. There is no need to commit beyond your ability, and care should be taken not to use language of a vow you did not intend to undertake. Giving with a willing heart can accompany prayer and acts of kindness.
A custom of reading Psalms 20, 33 and 121 is also mentioned. You may read them calmly from a Book of Psalms and reflect on their words: seeking help, giving thanks and trusting in the Guardian of Israel. Prayer customs are not identical in every community; anyone seeking practical guidance should consult their rabbi.
Carry Shabbat’s light into the week
Alongside prayer, you can undertake a small practical commitment for the new week: a kind word at home, a regular study time, charity or helping someone. The request thus becomes an invitation to act, and hope accompanies a path of faith and responsibility.
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