HABINENU:

By: Kaufmann Kohler, Isaac Broydé

Initial word, also the name, of a prayer containing in abridged form the Eighteen Benedictions (see Shemoneh 'Esreh), minus the first three and the closing three (see Liturgy). The prayer was formulated by Samuel of Nehardea, to be substituted where time or circumstances prevent the reciting of all the benedictions in full (Ber. 29a). At the close of Sabbaths and festival days, when the "Habdalah" is to be recited, the "Habinenu" does not serve as substitute, nor may it be used when the prayer for rain is to be offered. In the Jerusalem Talmud (Ber. iv. 8a) the version differs somewhat from the commonly adopted one given in the Babylonian Talmud. Translated into English, it reads as follows:

"Render us intelligent that we may know Thy ways. Circumcise our hearts to fear Thee: forgive us that we may be redeemed. Keep us far from pain, and fertilize for us the green pastures of Thy land. Gather us from the four corners of the earth. Let those who have strayed from Thy knowledge be taught the right way. Lift Thy hand against the wicked. Grant joy to the just in the reconstruction of Thy city, in the restoration of Thy Temple, in the renewal of the kingdom of Thy servant David and of the splendor of the son of Jesse, Thine anointed. Hear us before we call! Blessed be Thou, O Lord! who hearkenest to prayer."

K. I. Br.