What is the Jewish prayer for success and good fortune?

Jewish tradition contains numerous prayers for success and good fortune, but one particularly notable example is a special prayer attributed to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (zatzal), found in his holy writings and recorded in the Siddur Edot HaMizrach. More broadly, Jewish prayer for success is woven throughout Tehillim (Psalms), the Amidah, and various liturgical compositions, all grounded in the principle that all blessing flows from God's grace and favor.

Key Takeaways

A specific prayer for success (tefillah l'hatzlacha) attributed to Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev is recited three times on Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night).
Jewish prayers for success always frame requests within relationship with God — not as magical formulas, but as sincere supplication.
Psalm 69:14 is a foundational verse expressing prayer during a time of divine favor (et ratzon).
Success in Torah tradition is understood holistically — spiritual, material, and communal wellbeing.
The Amidah (daily standing prayer) contains multiple blessings directly relevant to success and prosperity.

The Prayer of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev

Source and Practice

The Siddur Edot HaMizrach (the prayer rite of Middle Eastern/Sephardic communities) records:

"Found in the holy writings of the holy Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev zatzal, author of Kedushat Levi — a prayer for success to be recited three times on Motzei Shabbat."

[Siddur Edot HaMizrach, Havdalah, Before Havdalah 19]

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740–1809) was one of the greatest Hasidic masters, a student of the Maggid of Mezeritch, and a fierce advocate (melitz yosher) for the Jewish people before God. His prayers were known for their passionate, direct address to the Divine.

The custom of reciting this prayer three times (gimmel pe'amim) on Motzei Shabbat reflects the kabbalistic principle that repetition strengthens spiritual intention (kavanah) and that Motzei Shabbat — the moment Shabbat departs — is an especially propitious time (et ratzon) to draw blessing into the coming week.

Psalm 69:14 — Prayer at a Time of Divine Favor

A foundational verse for understanding Jewish prayer for success is:

וַאֲנִי תְפִלָּתִי־לְךָ יְהֹוָה עֵת רָצוֹן אֱלֹהִים בְּרׇב־חַסְדֶּךָ עֲנֵנִי בֶּאֱמֶת יִשְׁעֶךָ׃ "But as for me, may my prayer come to You, O Lord, at a time of favor; O God, in Your abundant kindness, answer me with Your faithful salvation."

[Psalms 69:14]

This verse captures the Jewish understanding of successful prayer:

It must come at an et ratzon — a time of divine favor
It appeals to God's abundant kindness (rov chasdo), not one's own merit
It asks for truth and salvation, not merely material gain

Rashi explains et ratzon as the moment when God's attribute of mercy (middat harachamim) is most accessible. This is why Motzei Shabbat, the time of the Havdalah prayer, is considered particularly powerful for prayers of success.

The Torah Foundation: Conditional Blessing

וְהָיָה אִם־שָׁמֹעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ אֶל־מִצְוֺתַי... לְאַהֲבָה אֶת־יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וּלְעׇבְדוֹ בְּכׇל־לְבַבְכֶם וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁכֶם׃ "And it shall come to pass, if you diligently heed My commandments... to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul."

[Deuteronomy 11:13]

This verse — the second paragraph of the Shema — establishes the Torah's core teaching: blessing and success flow from alignment with God's will. The Sforno comments that "serving with all your heart" (avodat halev) refers specifically to prayer itself [Sforno, Deuteronomy 11:13].

Moses as the Model: Supplication for Success

וָאֶתְחַנַּן אֶל־יְהֹוָה בָּעֵת הַהִוא לֵאמֹר׃ "And I pleaded with God at that time, saying..."

[Deuteronomy 3:23]

Moses himself used the language of vayitchanan — gracious pleading — when seeking God's favor. The Talmud notes that techinah (gracious supplication) implies throwing oneself on God's mercy rather than claiming reward for one's deeds [Berakhot 32a, citing this verse]. This models the proper posture for all prayers for success.

Other Key Prayers for Success in Jewish Tradition

Beyond the Berditchever's prayer, Jewish liturgy offers several avenues:

Birkat HaMazon additions — On Motzei Shabbat, many add Veyiten Lecha ("And may He give you"), a collection of biblical verses blessing success, livelihood, and good fortune.
The Amidah — The blessing of Barekh Aleinu asks for material blessing and prosperity; Shema Koleinu is a general plea for God to hear our prayers.
Tehillim (Psalms) — Psalms 20, 91, 121, and 128 are traditionally recited for protection, success, and blessing.
Tefillat HaDerech — The traveler's prayer, asking for success and safety on journeys, extends to any new endeavor.
Personal prayer (tefillah b'lashon shehu rotze) — The Talmud encourages praying in one's own language for personal needs [Shabbat 12b, Sotah 33a].

The Deeper Principle

Jewish tradition does not view prayers for success as transactional. Rabbeinu Bachya teaches that genuine bitachon (trust in God) means believing that God directs all outcomes, and prayer is the means of aligning our will with His [Chovot HaLevavot, Sha'ar HaBitachon].

True hatzlacha (success) in Torah thought encompasses:

Spiritual success — growth in Torah and mitzvot
Material sufficiency — parnassah (livelihood) for one's family
Communal blessing — the welfare of Klal Yisrael

For personal guidance on specific prayers or customs for your community, consult your local rabbi or posek.