The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing its
worst drought in over 60 years, causing famine
conditions in parts of Somalia and a growing
refugee crisis as desperate people cross into Kenya
in search of assistance. At least 12 million people
in Somalia and in neighboring Kenya, Ethiopia and
Djibouti are suffering from acute food shortages
and malnutrition and tens of thousands have
already died. Although the drought has been
the immediate cause of the famine, it has been
exacerbated by decades of conflict, poor governance
and inequitable agricultural and macroeconomic
policies.
Let us take a moment to pray together for the
well-being of the people of the region, and for the
wisdom and strength to respond effectively to both
the short- and long-term challenges they face.
HaMashiv haruach vHaMorid hagashem, God who
causes the wind to blow and the rain to fall,1 your
children cry out to you—“God, God, give us rain!”2
Send rains of blessing and bounty3 to our brothers
and sisters in the Horn of Africa whose lives hang
in the balance. For their sake and for the memory
of those who have already perished from hunger
and thirst, do not hold back water.4 Fulfill your
words—open your hand to all;5 do not allow the
righteous to go hungry.6
HaZocher Avot, God who remembers our
ancestors, remember the cries of those who
descended into Egypt to escape famine and walk
with the people of Somalia as they journey long
miles for sustenance.7 Spread over them a shelter
of peace and keep them safe in their temporary
resting places.8 Watch over your daughters, that
they will be safe from attack; watch over your
children, that they will escape disease. Grant that
they will soon be able to return to their homes.
Watch over and strengthen the hands of your
messengers who toil on the ground to give
aid. Do not allow us, the members of this holy
congregation who assemble far away, to harden
our hearts. Instead, open our ears so we hear the
cries of those in need. Bless us today with the
strength to support them in this hour of desperate
need, and the endurance in the coming months
and years to continue to work alongside them for
justice, security and prosperity. HaShomeah Tfillah,
God who hears prayers, answer this plea, for your
children are in great distress.9
1 Recited as a part of the Amida prayer during the season in which rain is needed
2 Talmud Bavli Ta’anit 23b
3 Mishna Ta’anit 3:8
4 From ‘Geshem’, the prayer for rain inserted into the Amida for Shmini Atzeret
5 Psalm 145:16
6 Proverbs 10:3
7 Genesis 12:10, 42:2 and others
8 From the daily evening service
9 From the insertion to the Amida prayer for a fast day
Suggested Discussion Questions:
What is the role of prayer in social justice work?
Time Period: Contemporary (The Yom Kippur War until the present-day)