The Jewish Blessing for Washington 1789 New York highlights how America’s founding era was shaped not only by Christian prayers but also by the blessings of Jewish communities who celebrated the nation’s new birth of freedom.
After George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789, in New York City, faith leaders from across the spectrum offered words of support and prayer for the first president and the fragile new nation. Among the most remarkable was the blessing extended by Congregation Shearith Israel, the first Jewish congregation in America, founded in 1654.
Their blessing reflected gratitude for religious liberty and support for Washington’s leadership. The Jewish Blessing for Washington 1789 New York demonstrated the inclusiveness of America’s promise: freedom of religion not only protected Christians but also extended to Jewish citizens and other faith communities.
The Prayer / Blessing
In the spirit of traditional Jewish prayers for government, the congregation prayed:
“May the Supreme King of kings, through the merits of our righteous forefathers, bless and preserve George Washington, the illustrious President of the United States, and all the magistrates of this land. May the Lord prolong their days in prosperity, crown their years with success, and bless them with all manner of spiritual and temporal blessings.”
This blessing captured both reverence for God and respect for the office of the presidency.
Historic Backstory
Washington’s inauguration in New York City marked the beginning of America’s constitutional government. Unlike Europe, where Jewish communities often faced persecution, here they were free to openly bless their leaders.
Washington himself later affirmed this spirit in his famous 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island: “For happily the Government of the United States… gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
The Jewish Blessing for Washington 1789 New York reflected this early spirit of mutual respect and religious freedom.
Biblical Parallel — Praying for Leaders
Jewish tradition draws from Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”
The blessing for Washington follows this principle — praying for the prosperity of the nation and its leaders so that the people may also live in peace.
Modern Application — Honoring Authority with Prayer
Today, in an age where politics often divides, this blessing calls us back to the simple act of praying for those in authority. Whether we agree with leaders or not, Scripture commands us to lift them in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
The National Prayer Wall continues this mission by inviting believers to post prayers for leaders across every ZIP Code, asking God to bless, guide, and protect those in government.
Visit New York Today
Washington’s inauguration took place at Federal Hall in New York City (ZIP Code 10004). Visitors can tour this historic site, where Washington took the oath of office, and reflect on the prayers and blessings that launched America’s first presidency.
📍 This blessing took place in New York, NY 10004.
And just 48 years later, in 1837, John Quincy Adams tied America’s Independence Day directly to the mission of Christ in his famous address at Newburyport (ZIP 01950). Read about John Quincy Adams’ Independence Day Prayer →
Reference Prayers and Proclamations: Historic Prayers in American Life (White House PDF)