Mi Sheberach

One of the central Jewish prayers for those who are ill or recovering from illness or accidents is the Mi Sheberach prayer. The name is taken from its first two Hebrew words: “He who has blessed” (our ancestors etc.). This is a public prayer for those who are severely ill, or in need of healing in mind, body, or spirit – not for the common cold or even the flu, but for serious and life threatening illnesses, surgeries, and chronic or painful conditions. In the Mi Sheberach prayer we ask G-d to heal and cure those in dire need of it. This encourages us to have strength in times of adversity and to find hope at times of great fear.

The Prayer in English reads as follows:

“May G-d who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, and Leah, bless the sick for whom we pray…

(Hebrew and/or English names may be read)

May the Holy One bestow healing of body and of spirit upon (them and) all the sick in our community, and throughout the House of Israel”.

If you know someone who is sadly not in good health, we encourage you to email their name to Roseanne at roseanne@bethsholom.net (preferably both English and Hebrew names – including their parents’ Hebrew names, but you may omit the English name if you wish).