Prayer in German— written in Hebrew letters— for the success of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830-1916) who reigned from 1848 until 1916. He became the Austro-Hungarian Emperor in 1848 after the abdication of his uncle, Emperor Ferdinand I. During Franz Joseph’s long reign he enjoyed great popularity in all strata of Jewry in his empire and abroad. Anti-Semites nicknamed him "Judenkaiser" (Emperor of the Jews). The synagogues were always filled to capacity for the services held on his birthday, which were also attended by gentile dignitaries. In 1867, Franz Joseph I signed a decree canceling all remaining restrictions on occupations formerly closed to Jews, and ownership of real estate, and the Fundamental Law, which made Jews full citizens of the state.

Transliteration from Hebrew to German

Allmächtiger Gott und Weltherr!
der Du Könige und Fürsten hast erkoren und berufen
und sie hast ausgerüstet mit allen Gaben Deiner Hold und Milde
dass sie in Weisheit und Gerechtigkeit ihr Volk regieren
Gesetz und Recht handhaben, den Gottesfrieden auf ihren Schirmen
und alle milden Gaben bringen jeder Deinem Volke und Lande –
verleihe Deinen göttlichen Schutz und Bestand unseren Fürsten
und Herren Deines Gesalbten, dem Kaiser Franz Joseph den Ersten,
für den wir beten als treue Untertanen ihres Herrn
wie Kinder für ihren Vater beten. Mehre seine Tage und
kröne ihren Sieg mit Ruhm und Herrlichkeit – segne alle
Angehörigen des erhabenen Fürstenstammes segne dies gesamte
Vaterland, dass Eintracht und Freude seine Stämme einige
Licht und Wissenschaft dem Volk Ehre, Tugend und G’ttesfurcht
die innere Lebenskraft im Volke sei: gib oh Gott
dass auch wir des Segens teilhaft werden und einen Ehrenstand
gewinnen im Vaterland, dem wir in Liebe und Treue anhänglich
sind; Wohlwollen finden unter den Menschen wie wir Gnade und
Erbarmen zu finden hoffen vor Deinem Weltenthrone. Amen

English Translation

Almighty G’d and Ruler of the Universe!
You who chooses and appoints kings and princes
And provides them with all of your favors and clemency
So they may rule their people with wisdom and justice,
Lawfully and just with divine peace on their banners
And all manner of charity may everyone give to your people
and your country-
Grant your divine protection and support to our rulers
And lords of your anointed one, the Emperor Franz Joseph the First,
For whom we pray as loyal subjects of their ruler
As children pray for their father. Multiply His days and
Crown their victory with honor and magnificence- bless all
Members of the noble house of princes, bless the entire
Fatherland, so harmony and joy will unify his tribes,
And light and wisdom will be considered honor, virtue and godliness
Will be the people’s inner vitality: give, oh, G’d
That we, too, shall be blessed and earn an honorable place
In the fatherland, to which we are bound in love and loyalty;
May we find favor before men, just as we also hope
To find mercy before your throne of the world. Amen