Chief Rabbi writes Shabbat prayer for Balfour Declaration anniversary

The Chief Rabbi has written a special prayer for the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, to be read out in Orthodox shuls next month.

The text of the prayer has not yet been released but the chief executive of the Board of Deputies said its composition was “deeply welcome”.

On the centenary, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said “a chain of political events was set in motion which would change the Jewish world forever”.

He added: “Those events were so remarkable, and at times so unlikely, that one cannot help but see the hand of the Divine in them. Our awareness of such a blessing makes a prayer of thanksgiving a most appropriate way to mark this special anniversary.”

A series of events will be held over Balfour Shabbat from 3-4 November, including lectures, debates and Friday night dinners.