Halachot and Customs
May One Pray for a Non-Jew?
Question
Hello. In my neighborhood, there is a lonely non-Jewish woman who is constantly looking for someone to talk to, and people keep turning her away. This deeply saddens me, and I would like to pray for her. May one pray for a non-Jew? And is there a special prayer that would suit the situation?
Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings,
It is permitted, and a mitzvah, to pray for a non-Jew, as long as he or she is not causing trouble for the Jewish people. For as it is written, "In the image of Hashem He made man," which includes the non-Jews as well. And it is also written, "His mercies are upon all His works." You should also add in your prayer that she "return to the right path," lest she be a Christian, or not fulfill the seven Noahide commandments. (Responsa Yechaveh Daat, vol. 6, siman 60).
Pray in your own words that Hashem have mercy on her and bring her out of her loneliness, etc.
With blessings,
Menashe Ben Porat
It is permitted, and a mitzvah, to pray for a non-Jew, as long as he or she is not causing trouble for the Jewish people. For as it is written, "In the image of Hashem He made man," which includes the non-Jews as well. And it is also written, "His mercies are upon all His works." You should also add in your prayer that she "return to the right path," lest she be a Christian, or not fulfill the seven Noahide commandments. (Responsa Yechaveh Daat, vol. 6, siman 60).
Pray in your own words that Hashem have mercy on her and bring her out of her loneliness, etc.
With blessings,
Menashe Ben Porat
