ועל זקני עמך

ועל זקני עמך
AND UPON THE ELDERS OF YOUR PEOPLE

We pray for the Sages, the Chachmei HaTorah of Yisroel, who in addition to their righteousness and devotion possess also the great virtue of Limud Hatorah. They are the זקני עמך, the Elders of Your people, for with their wisdom and Torah-knowledge they guide Hashem’s people on the path of the Torah and the righteous ways of Hashem.