Tefilat Haderech: The Traditional Jewish Traveler’s Prayer

Before embarking on a journey, regardless of whether it is a trip by way of car, airplane, or boat, there is a traditional Jewish prayer that is often recited. This unique prayer is known as the Traveler’s Prayer in English, however in Hebrew it is called “tefilat haderech” (תפילת הדרך). The origin of the Traveler’s Prayer is found in the Gemara, which is part of the Talmud or oral law.

This prayer serves as a request for a safe and peaceful journey that is free of all trouble. It asks the Lord to watch over the travelers while on their journey and to prevent any dangers from occurring. Traditionally, one recites this prayer if the journey is longer than one parsah (about 6 kilometers or 4 miles) and after leaving the city limits.

This prayer is a wonderful and special way to start off your travels with a focus on God. We hope that it will be meaningful and useful to you.

The Traveler's Prayer in Hebrew

יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ

שֶׁתּוֹלִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַצְעִידֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם,

וְתַדְרִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַגִּיעֵנוּ לִמְחוֹז חֶפְצֵנוּ לְחַיִּים, וְלְשִׂמְחָה, וּלְשָׁלוֹם.

(אם דעתו לחזור מיד אומר: וְתַחְזִירֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם)

וְתַצִּילֵנוּ מִכַּף כָּל אוֹיֵב וְאוֹרֵב בַּדָּרֶךְ,

וּמִכָּל מִינֵי פֻּרְעָנִיּוֹת הַמִּתְרַגְּשׁוֹת לָבוֹא לָעוֹלָם.

וְתִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ,

וְתִתְּנֵנוּ לְחֵן וּלְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים בְּעֵינֶיךָ

וּבְעֵינֵי כָל רוֹאֵינוּ.

וְתִשְׁמַע קוֹל תַּחֲנוּנֵינוּ

 כִּי אֵל שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה וְתַחֲנוּן אָתָּה.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה.

The Traveler's Prayer Transliteration

Yehi ratzon milfanecha Adonai Eloheinu ve’Elohei avoteinu,

shetolichenu leshalom, vetatz’ideinu leshalom,

vetadrichenu leshalom, vetagi’einu limchoz chef’tzeinu lechayim, ulesimchah, uleshalom.

(If returning the same day, say: Ve’tachzirenu leshalom)

V’tatzilenu mikaf kol oyeiv ve’oreiv baderech,

umikol minei pur’aniyot hamitrag’shot lavo la’olam.

Vetishlach berachah bechol ma’asei yadeinu,

vetitnenu lechen ulechesed ulerachamim be’einecha

uve’einei chol ro’einu.

Vetishma kol tachanuneinu, ki El shomea tefillah vetachanun Atah.

Baruch Atah Adonai, shomea tefillah.

The Traveler's Prayer in English

May it be Your will, Lord, our God and the God of our ancestors, 

That You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, 

And bring us in peace to our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. 

(If returning the same day, say: And bring us back in peace)

May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, 

And from all manner of calamities that threaten the world. 

May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes 

And in the eyes of all who see us. 

May You hear the sound of our humble pleas 

For You are the God Who hears prayer and supplication. 

Blessed are You, Lord, Who hears prayer.