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Kenneth Brander
President and Rosh HaYeshiva, Ohr Torah Stone

A Prayer for Safety and Protection During the Los Angeles Fires

As devastating fires sweep through Los Angeles County, we turn to Jewish tradition, which teaches us to combine action with prayer. Even from afar, while we support emergency services and affected communities, we also lift our voices in spiritual solidarity and support. Watching these events unfold, I felt moved to draw upon our ancient practice of prayer and supplication, adapting the מי שברך (Mi Sheberach) prayer to address this urgent crisis.

This prayer honors the brave firefighters, police officers, and first responders who risk their lives to protect our communities. Inspired by biblical narratives of divine protection from fire, it weaves together our timeless tradition with our present needs—asking for safety for those on the front lines and residents in harm’s way, healing for the injured, and rain to quench the flames. I share this prayer with our community and invite all to join in these words of protection and hope.

About the Author
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander is President and Rosh HaYeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone, an Israel-based network of 32 educational and social action programs transforming Jewish life, living and leadership in Israel and across the world. He is the rabbi emeritus of the Boca Raton Synagogue and founder of the Katz Yeshiva High School. He served as the Vice President for University and Community Life at Yeshiva University and has authored many articles in scholarly journals.