Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends:

Praying for the health of sick friends and relatives is an integral part of our Shabbat services. The Mishebeirach, our healing prayer, means, "He who blessed...." It beseeches G-d, who blessed our ancestors, to bless as well those in need of healing.

While it is traditional to recite a Mishebeirach for cholim (sick people) at Torah services, the minhag (custom) at EHNT is to recite it as well at Shabbat evening services.

When we pray for someone's health, we traditionally use the person's Hebrew name followed by the mother's, not father's, Hebrew name. This is because mothers were often primarily involved in healing us when we were young. Also, mothers are life-givers. Adding the father's name is also acceptable, as is using the person's English name.

Some people offer healing prayers only for those who are in acute need of healing. Others choose to pray for those with chronic, ongoing conditions as well.

We keep names on our Mishebeirach list for 30 days. It is your responsibility to call the office to renew a name.

Finally, please remember: Prayers can help, but calling and visiting the sick -- the mitzvah of bikkur cholim -- are even better than prayers, however sincerely uttered!

To your health!

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill