We started from the premise that we would use the traditional words and image of Gd as a healer to close the blessing. Everything after that was open. As a parent, rabbi and writer of liturgy, I wanted this blessing to capture a truth about the moment, to reflect her feelings and emotions, and to conclude with traditional words. It was great to do this exercise and craft a kavanah/intention on the heels of parashat Hayyei Sarah where Eliezer prays to find the right match for his master's son, Isaac, reminding us that we can connect from the heart, illuminating what we need.
Our conversation grew into the attached blessing HERE, an intention for safety in personal and expansive ways - physical, emotional and spiritual. We hope this prayer from one kid's heart will enter the hearts of other kids as they approach this life-giving moment.
A reporter from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) wrote a lovely piece about Rabbis writing blessings for this miraculous time. I'm delighted to be featured with my dear friend, teacher, colleague and former rabbinical school roommate, Rabbi Karen Reiss Medwed who wrote a prayer for parents to recite in anticipation of their young ones (although not the youngest yet) receiving the vaccine. You can find the article here (among other places)
https://www.kveller.com/these-rabbis-wrote-prayers-in-honor-of-the-covid-vaccine-becoming-available-for-children/and find Karen's blessing HERE.
Our close friend, Lisa Rubins, Limudei Kodesh Teacher, Grade 5 and Hebrew Team Leader for the Lower School at The Leffell School in Westchester was so inspired by our blessing that she worked with 80 5th graders at Leffell to create their own blessings in anticipation of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Here's an excerpt from one of the blessings that emerged from that exercise, "Thank you gd for always having our backs and never giving up on us. Thank you for giving us hope to overcome this virus.Thank you for never giving up on us. Everybody was isolated and scared and sad and angry and impatient, but you made all of the bad feelings go away.....You helped us not only by overcoming our sickness, but also helped us with how we feel inside. Thank you for giving us the grit to overcome and the strength to fight it. Barukh atah adonai eloheinu melekh haolam hanotein l'yaef koach." To this I say, blessing to you Holy One who gives us strength to find our voice and hold fear, gratitude and hope in one heart.
This month, the time in which we celebrate Thanksgiving, I invite us to pay attention to what is in our heart and live with more intention for ourselves, one another and our world. May we take time to bless our moments with the familiar affirmation connected to emunah/truth and faith.
This month's blessing is one word - AMEN. May our hope and affirmation translate to action that brings the miraculous to life.
Shabbat Shalom and Hodesh Tov,
rg
