Whether you’re driving across town or boarding a flight, Tefilat HaDerech (The Traveler’s Prayer) is a beautiful Jewish prayer asking Hashem for protection, peace, and a safe journey.
Many Jews recite this prayer before:
- Driving long distances
- Airplane travel
- Business trips
- Family vacations
- Any journey outside the city
Tefilat HaDerech (Hebrew)
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה’ אֱלֹקֵינוּ וֵאלֹקֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁתּוֹלִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַצְעִידֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַדְרִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְתַגִּיעֵנוּ לִמְחוֹז חֶפְצֵנוּ לְחַיִּים, לְשִׂמְחָה וּלְשָׁלוֹם. וְתַצִּילֵנוּ מִכַּף כָּל אוֹיֵב וְאוֹרֵב, וּמִכָּל פֻּרְעָנִיּוֹת הַמִּתְרַגְּשׁוֹת לָבוֹא לָעוֹלָם, וְתִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵׂה יָדֵינוּ, וְתִתְּנֵנוּ לְחֵן, לְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים בְּעֵינֶיךָ וּבְעֵינֵי כָל רוֹאֵינוּ. וְתִשְׁמַע קוֹל תַּחֲנוּנֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה וְתַחֲנוּן אָתָּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’, שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה.
English Translation
May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our fathers, to lead us in peace, guide us in peace, direct our steps in peace, and bring us safely to our destination with life, joy, and peace. Protect us from every enemy, ambush, danger, and misfortune. Bless the work of our hands, grant us favor, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. Hear our prayer, for You are God who listens to prayer and supplication. Blessed are You, Lord, who hears prayer.
Hebrew Pronunciation (Transliteration)
Yehi Ratzon Milfanecha Adonai Eloheinu V’Elohei Avoteinu, Shetolicheinu L’Shalom, V’Tatz’ideinu L’Shalom, V’Tadricheinu L’Shalom, V’Tagieinu Limchoz Cheftzeinu L’Chayim, L’Simcha U’L’Shalom. V’Tatzileinu Mikaf Kol Oyev V’Orev, U’Mikol Puraniyot Hamitragshot Lavo La’Olam. V’Tishlach Beracha B’chol Ma’aseh Yadeinu, V’Titneinu L’Chen, L’Chesed U’L’Rachamim B’Einecha U’V’Einei Kol Ro’einu. V’Tishma Kol Tachanuneinu, Ki El Shomea Tefilah V’Tachanun Atah. Baruch Atah Adonai, Shomea Tefilah.
Travel with Faith
Keeping a Tefilat HaDerech booklet in your car, travel bag, or carry-on luggage makes it easy to recite this meaningful prayer before every trip. Many travelers also choose a personalized booklet with a custom name embossing, creating a thoughtful gift for family, friends, business travelers, new drivers, or anyone preparing for a journey.
