Israel Praying for Rain; an Old Testament Tradition

Teresa Neumann : Oct 19, 2010
Maayana Miskin - Israel National News

Prayers for rain were offered during Sukkot. "When the holiday ended, the pilgrims would return home. It took those who lived farthest from Jerusalem 15 days to make the journey, so prayers for rain were delayed for 15 days, in order to avoid requesting rain at a time when it would make their travel difficult."

(Israel)—Last week, Jews living in Israel began praying for rain and, as noted in Israel National News, Jews living abroad will soon join their Israeli counterparts in praying for it.

This year, it just so happens that Israel is facing a water shortage.

According to the report, the custom of adding the prayer for dew and rain dates back to the times of the First Temple and Second Temple. At that time, Jews would reportedly gather in Jerusalem and bring sacrificial offerings during the holiday of Sukkot.

The prayers for rain will be recited until the Passover holiday in spring.