“Segulah from an old manuscript… to fight the enemies and defeat them” – special prayer service for the downfall of enemies during battles in the Jerusalem sector in the War of Independence. Land of Israel, 1948
Miniature prayer booklet printed especially for the fighters of the Hebrew undergrounds, intended for the downfall of enemies during the War of Independence. “A segulah from an old manuscript, transmitted orally from person to person, back to Moshe Rabbeinu, of blessed and holy memory, to fight enemies and defeat them, and to cause casualties before the sons of Jacob. And this is its order…”. On the front and back covers is a printed image of the Israeli flag. No printing date appears in the booklet. In the National Library, it is dated to 1948 based on Gershom Scholem. A note there cites Gershom Scholem: “1948, given to soldiers in Jerusalem. A segulah for soldiers in war – a collection of prayers and verses given to soldiers in Jerusalem.”
On the first page is an illustration of Rachel’s Tomb. The special seder includes Vayehi Noam, Lecha Hashem Hagedulah, names of angels, and a prayer for the downfall of the enemy: “I ask this request before the One above all, blessed is He and blessed is His name, that You save me from this evil enemy and from his soldiers, and may many fall slain, and may You cast terror and great darkness, deep slumber, panic, madness, blindness, and confusion of heart upon all our enemies… Save us from enemy bombings and gunfire and from the destruction of homes… and return us to our homes for a good and peaceful life, ” along with various verses for the downfall of enemies.
8 pages, 8.5 cm. Light stains. Good condition.
