Israeli rabbis plan economy prayer

JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Jewish leaders in Israel have named a special day of prayer aimed at curbing the global financial crisis.

Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger and Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Amar issued a joint statement calling for Jews across the country to synchronize prayers for economic stability Thursday, the first day of the Jewish month of Kislev, The Jerusalem Post reported Tuesday.

"Education and Torah institutions are failing to make ends meet, and many are in danger of closure," the rabbis wrote. "Factories and businesses are firing workers, and many household heads are no longer able to support their families. Therefore, we call on the public to pray one hour before mincha (the afternoon prayer) on Thursday in synagogues across the nation."

The statement came as many religious institutions in Israel said foreign-based donations have slowed in the face of the economic downturn. Many of the institutions said they rely solely on the donations for money.