Machzor Forgiveness & Prayer Bookmarks – Coloring for Adults

These printable Jewish prayer bookmarks are perfect for placing in your Machzor or prayer book – after you color them, of course! When you’re done, check out these I’m sorry cards for kids. This post contains affiliate links.

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There are so many super sweet prayer bookmarks out there, but in honor of the upcoming High Holidays, I wanted to find quotes from Jewish sources to make a set appropriate for the Jewish woman.

The idea is to color these inspirational bookmarks in advance, to gain a bit of insight into various hashkafically appropriate prayer and teshuvah (repentance) concepts. Then, place them into your machzor (holiday prayer book) to provide inspiration during prayer.

Each prayer bookmark’s quote was researched and properly sourced (including the translations), then the text formatted, sketched, with supporting designs, and then the whole thing was illustrated.

Get the Jewish Prayer Quote Bookmarks

I share a closer look and more details below, but meanwhile, you can get the prayer quote bookmarks in my shop, Etsy, or TpT!

The prayer bookmarks are available for a few bucks in my shop, Etsy, or TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.

A few quick “specs” notes: the lines are quite fine, making this a detailed coloring page, ideal for using with small mediums. They are “jumbo” bookmarks, to allow the text to be legible, but are usable with average prayer books.

A closer look at the Prayer Bookmarks

Deciding on these prayer bookmark quotes took a very long time. I wanted to find everything from the source and a good translation. Full credit goes to Sefaria‘s extensive library for the translations.

The prayer bookmarks are as follows:

• “Before they pray, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will respond.” (Isaiah 65:24)
• In the place where penitents stand, even the full-fledged righteous do not stand. (Berachot 34B).

• “True sacrifice to G-d is a contrite spirit; G-d, You will not despise a contrite and crushed heart.” Psalms 51:19
• “You will search for Me and find Me, if only you seek Me wholeheartedly.” Jeremiah 29:13
• “The L-rd is near to all who call Him, to all who call Him with sincerity” Psalms 145:18

• “For your G-d is a compassionate G-d Who will not fail you nor let you perish.” Deuteronomy 4:31
• “Seek the favor of G-d and He will grant you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4
• “Come, let us reach an understanding, says G-d. Be your sins like crimson, they can turn snow white; be they red as dyed wool, they can become like fleece.” Isaiah 1:18

These are sourced primarily from Tanach – including a few from Navi (prophets) and Tehillim (psalms).

Tips for using these color-in printable prayer bookmarks

Coloring tips

These prayer bookmarks have very fine lines. They are what you’d call “complex” coloring, and I do think it’s important that you know this before you start!

I really had teen girls in mind with this, as well as women. It can be relaxing to color and fill in the lines – no shading or artistic skills are needed.

I used this set of gel pens – a top brand and worth investing in if you’re getting your own craft supplies, as they last far longer than the cheap gel pens. If you’re getting this for a one-time group activity, a big pack of cheap pens is your best bet.

Another favorite choice for this is fineliner pens. As with most art supplies, brand DOES matter. Some favorites are Stabilo, Staedtler, and even Crayola’s fineliners are great. Very cheap “knockoff” ones can be dry and aren’t recommended. If you’re doing a one-time activity and don’t need it to last, get a knockoff with a LOT of good reviews.

I highly recommend printing them on cardstock and then laminating – ideally with 5mil laminating pouches to help them last a long time, through lots of prayers!

Using them for the High Holidays

I designed these as a classroom activity – or something individuals can do to prepare – before the High Holidays. Jewish law advises us to refrain from acts of creation on the Sabbath and Holidays, and that includes coloring.

My recommendation is to color these in the days and weeks leading up, to get in the “prayer and repentance zone.”

Then, place them in a few strategic spots in the machzor (holiday prayer book) where you may want that extra boost.

I hope you enjoyed these prayer bookmarks! In case you missed it, you can download them in my shop, Etsy, or TpT. Purchasing premium products from me enables me to keep doing what I do, to give more focus to my Jewish blog, creating authentically Jewish resources for homes, educators, and parents.