UK -Chief Rabbi’s Special Gift To Queen Elizabeth Ahead of Her 90th Birthday: A Special Prayer

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Sabba – What is this special prayer? Apparently, it is “the prayer, which is read out in synagogues every Shabbat morning”.  This is somehow reminiscent of the ‘very special gift’ George W. Bush was given on his visit to Israel. He was still on the tarmac when he was met not by the head of state but by a bunch of men in black who offered him some Torah scrolls, with a threat attached to it. 

THE JEWISH CHRONICLE

It has long been customary to present your hosts with a gift.

So when Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and his wife Valerie stayed over at Windsor Castle last night as guests of the Queen ahead of her 90th birthday, they arrived at the royal residence with a special gift in tow.

Rabbi Mirvis presented Her Majesty with a bespoke prayer for the Royal family on behalf of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.

The prayer, which is read out in synagogues every Shabbat morning, was written on canvas and mounted on a gold frame, ready for hanging.

The one-off piece was designed by British Jewish artist Myra Levy.

In a letter to the Queen, Rabbi Mirvis wrote: “When the country has celebrated moments of the greatest national joy and when we have struggled together in times of the greatest desolation, you have been generous in your wisdom and unwavering in your fortitude.

“Since Jews resettled in Great Britain some 360 years ago, we have relentless pursued the great British dream, to prosper in a society which sees the humanity in all people and feel a sharp sense of responsibility to one and all.”

Rabbi Mirvis and his wife stayed at Windsor Castle on Monday night. They were joined at the dinner by their friends the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Sir Nicholas Serota, director of the Tate museums, the author Dr Simon Sebag-Montefiore and Mark Getty, co-founder of Getty Images, also attended the exclusive event.

Ahead of Rabbi Mirvis’ stay, caterer Arieh Wagner was granted special permission to kosher one of the royal kitchens.