The Traveler's Prayer is popular among many, it is recited at the outset of each journey and is preferably recited standing.
It is said when traveling long distances, or when the form of travel involves a degree of danger.
When Do You Say the Traveler's Prayer: The prayer is to be recited as soon as the traveler has left the city.
However, if it was not recited at that time, it can be recited until one has reached the city of destination.
It is preferable to say the "Tefilat Haderech" right after the recitation of another blessing.
Ergo, if possible, one should first take a bite of food or have a drink, or go to the bathroom, and after saying the appropriate after-blessing the Traveler's Prayer may be recited.
If it isn't an inconvenience, the vehicle should be stopped and the Traveler's Prayer should be recited while standing.
The prayer is only fully recited on the first day of a journey.
On all subsequent days, the prayer should still be recited but God's name should be omitted from its conclusion.
In fact, it is Chabad custom to thus recite the prayer for safe travel every day until returning home, even when going for an extended stay or vacation.
No matter whether you are going to a family reunion, a business conference, or to Honolulu, peace is the one true desired destination.
History of the Prayer: "May it be Your will", the Traveler's Prayer begins, "that You lead us toward peace, place our footsteps towards peace, guide us toward peace.
" These three phrases follow one on the heels of the other.
Why does the prayer use these three verbs that have similar meanings? The Tefilat Haderech, you see, is very old.
The version reprinted in the prayer Siddur of today dates originally from the fourth century, and its core is probably much older.
The institution of travel has changed over time; however, the reasons that people take trips remain almost the same.
Perhaps each verb is for a different kind of traveler.
The Talmud suggests that the purpose of a travel prayer is to consult the Creator before leaving on the given trip.
But this is not like consulting the weather or a "Lonely Planet" guide.
Rather, however, it's setting an intention, being ready for whatever lies ahead.
Traveler's Prayer Today: I like this idea and its implications for my traveling loved ones.
I cannot go with them myself, but Tefilat Haderech can.
Keep in mind this doesn't declare their safety or even improve their odds, that is, except for insofar that it succeeds in encouraging them to be mindful.
In addition, you can imagine how they could find themselves alone: out of cell phone service, certainly far from the Internet or just unable to see beyond their immediate horizons.
At these times, I hope the prayer's plural voice can prove a reminder to them of community and family, and resonates with the passionate love and stalwart fortitude I've tried to send their way.