the Open Siddur Project ✍︎ פְּרוֹיֶּקט הַסִּדּוּר הַפָּתוּחַ
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🖖︎ Prayers & Praxes // 🌳︎ Life cycle // Living & Struggle // Well-being, health, and caregiving
Well-being, health, and caregiving
מִזְמוֹר שִׁיר לְיוֹם הַנִיצָּחוֹן | A Song for Victory Day, a psalm anticipating Death’s end by Aryeh Baruch![]() ![]() ![]() An ecstatic psalm envisioning the eventual victory of Humanity over Death itself – the ultimate Victory Day. Although the primary focus is on our ending of the process of biological death, it also touches on the Resurrection of those who have fallen, as well as the defeat of the ultimate Death – that of the Universe itself. . . . ![]() ![]() A prayer of protection for those in the process of gender transitioning, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, inspired by the Tefilat haDerekh (Traveler’s Prayer). . . . ![]() ![]() This is a blessing written by myself and my father, Moshe Razieli in 2021. We wrote it foremost with my brother in mind. It is also informed by my experience of working with people who have experienced trauma, loss and disability. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “Asher Yatzar (The One Who Forms): a prayer of gratitude for our bodies as transgender, nonbinary, intersex people, and everybody else” was written by Rabbi Elliot Kukla and adapted from the blessing known by its incipit “Asher Yatsar” or “the bathroom blessing” traditionally recited after excretion of waste. The blessing is also recited as part of the birkhot hashaḥar complex of blessings recited upon waking up and becoming active. Rabbi Kukla’s blessing was first published in Where Healing Resides (CCAR 2013), p. 32. . . . ![]() ![]() “A Prayer of Healing for Mental Illness” was written by Rabbi Elliot Kukla for the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center and was first published in Where Healing Resides (CCAR 2013), p. 91. . . . ![]() ![]() “A Prayer for Transitions” was written by Rabbi Elliot Kukla. He writes that this prayer was written “for all adult transitions including gender as well as things like starting medication.” . . . ![]() ![]() “Blessings for Gender Transitioning” was written by Rabbi Elliot Kukla and first published on Ritualwell in 2013. . . . ![]() ![]() A Prayer for Those Denied Abortion Care, by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (National Council of Jewish Women 2021)![]() ![]() “A Prayer for Those Denied Abortion Care” was composed collectively by the staff of the National Council of Jewish Women and disseminated on Facebook in response to the regressive health care policies of the State of Texas in the United States in 2021. . . . מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ לְבָּרְוָחָה הַנַּפְשִׁית | Mi sheBerakh for Mental Health Wellness (the Blue Dove Foundation, 2021)![]() We believe Jewish prayers and rituals can help to strengthen our mental well-being, resilience and recovery in the same way middot, or Jewish values, can promote them. Faith is an important part of healing for many, and Jewish thinkers and leaders historically have brought the two together. When someone is ill or recovering from illness or an accident, we often recite a mi sheberakh to wish them a refuah sheleimah, or a “full recovery.” We have expanded this prayer for those who are struggling with mental health with this Mi Sheberakh for Mental Health. –the Blue Dove Foundation . . . ![]() ![]() This prayer for a parent (or primary caregiver) on the vaccination of their children by Cantor Hinda Labovitz was first shared via their Facebook page on 5 November 2021, . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A poem-blessing for trailblazers of many kinds, to honor everyday courage and to inspire trust and self-compassion. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A short prayer of gratitude in the midst of a global pandemic and civil unrest. . . . ![]() ![]() A prayer for those administering vaccinations. . . . מי שברך על כל המחרפים נפשם לעצור את המגפה | Mi sheBerakh for the Medical Workers & Researchers on the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic (2020)![]() ![]() A prayer for the medical workers and researchers on the front lines of treating the afflicted and finding a cure for the COVID19 coronavirus pandemic. . . . ![]() ![]() A prayer for those receiving vaccinations. . . . תְּפִלָּה לַמִּתְחַסְּנִים | A Prayer for the one to be Vaccinated, by Rabbi Esteban Gottfried (2020)![]() ![]() A kavvanah before a vaccination offered by Rabbi Esteban Gottfried of Ḳ.Ḳ. Beit Tefilah Yisraeli in Tel Aviv. . . . אַ געבעט פאַר דער אימונירונג | תְּפִלָּה לִפְנֵי חִסּוּן | Prayer before a Vaccination, by Hannah Katsman![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer in Hebrew to be said before a vaccination, with Yiddish and English translation. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() If it is a mitsvah to guard our lives and strengthen our bodies in service of our holy mission, then there should be a brakhah (blessing) before we start a session of vigorous activity; any excuse to add blessings to our day is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth! . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() Rabbi Menachem Creditor first shared this prayer in the Open Siddur Project discussion group on Facebook, here. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() On May 15th, 2018, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg tweeted this blessing. . . . ![]() ![]() A paraliturgical reflection on the prayer following urination and defecation, Asher Yatsar, for a shame resilience practice. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This prayer was originally published April 13th, 2013 on Dafna Meir’s blog, Derekh Nashim (Women’s Ways), here, writing “את התפילה זכיתי לחבר תוך כדי למידה למבחן תרופות במחלקה הנוירוכירורגית בסורוקה, בה אני עובדת.” (The prayer I composed for a friend while studying for a test at the Neurosurgery department at Soroka Hospital, which I work.) English translation by Moshe F. via Israellycool. More about Dafna Meir, here and here. . . . אשר יצר | Asher Yatsar prayer for recognizing the Divine Image in all our bodies, by Rabbi Emily Aviva Kapor![]() ![]() ![]() Asher Yatzar (the “bathroom blessing”, traditionally said every morning and after every time one goes to relieve oneself) has always rung hollow to me, at best, and at worst has been a prayer not celebrating beauty but highlighting pain. The original version praises bodies whose nekavim nekavim ḥalulim ḥalulim (“all manner of ducts and tubes”) are properly opened and closed—yes, in a digestive/excretory sense, but it is quite easy to read a reproductive sense into it as well. What do you do if the “ducts and tubes” in your body are not properly opened and closed, what if one is open that should be closed, or vice versa? . . . ![]() ![]() A disproportionate amount of the alarming gun violence in Chicago takes place on the South Side, yet the South Side lacks even a single level one adult trauma center. Consequently, gunshot victims sometimes minutes from death must be transported miles away to Downtown or North Side hospitals. In 2010, after Damien Turner, an 18-year-old resident of the South Side Woodlawn neighborhood, died waiting for an ambulance to drive him ten miles to a downtown hospital instead of two blocks to the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC), a grassroots collaboration of community organizations, faith leaders, and University of Chicago student groups began organizing the Trauma Center Coalition, dedicated to reopening a Level 1 adult trauma center at UCMC, the most well-resourced hospital on the South Side. So far, the university has refused. As part of the coalition’s ongoing campaign, last week [April 23, 2015], dozens of activists gathered on the university’s historic Midway field, for a vigil of prayer and song from different faith traditions. At dusk, participants lit candles to spell out “Trauma Center Now”, right across from the home of U. Chicago President Robert Zimmer, and then camped out for the night. As a representative of coalition partner Jewish Council on Urban Affairs, I was invited to offer a Jewish prayer, which is reproduced here; I read it in both the English and Hebrew. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer to be recited upon donating blood. In Israel, there are major blood drives around the times of Rosh Hashana and Pesaḥ, so the prayer borrows themes from both of those holidays. It emphasizes both the tzedaka aspect of blood donation and the ancient symbolic resonances of blood sacrifice. . . . ![]() ![]() The transition ritual poems below are an effort to hear in the Torah the voices of the various parts of the trans self calling one another toward wholeness. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer-poem for healing by Trisha Arlin. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() [In Parshat Vayigash] we read of the members of Jacob’s family who went down to Egypt. There were 53 grandsons listed, but only a single granddaughter – Seraḥ, the daughter of Asher. The commentators wonder, what was so exceptional about this girl that her name was recorded? The Midrash spills forth with stories portraying an image of a unique and endearing Biblical heroine. Seraḥ stands as a trusted, beloved sage of the people. She possessed an uncommon gift of healing through poetry and music. Somewhat as Orpheus is to Greek myth, so is Seraḥ to the Biblical myth – the archetypal poet and bard. . . . ![]() ![]() Traditional Judaism offers a confessional prayer, or vidui, to be recited during a time of serious illness or near death. If the patient is unable to recite the prayer, others may do so on his or her behalf. This modern adaptation [of vidui] places less emphasis on atonement for sins, and more on the bonds connecting the patient to his or her loved ones. It can be recited by a friend, family member, or chaplain on behalf of a person who is very ill, especially when life and death are hanging in the balance. . . . ![]() ![]() Bathroom Prayer, Prayers in the Babylonian Talmud, Body as Temple, Prayers of Pumbedita, אדם קדמון Adam Ḳadmon, Body as Cosmos, devotional interpretation, interpretive translation, Asiyah, four worlds, Body as Earth, English Translation, Body as Society, Late Antiquity, Bathroom etiquette, excretion, plumbing as metaphor, internal plumbing, אשר יצר Asher Yatsar, Amoraic prayers This English translation of the prayer “Asher Yatsar” by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi z”l, was first published in his Siddur Tehillat Hashem Yidaber Pi (2009). Versification by Aharon Varady according to the nusaḥ ha-ARI z”l. . . . ![]() A contemporary Jewish prayer for healng, used at congregation Tzedek Chicago. . . . A Blessing over Water for Peace, Health, Joy, Prosperity, and Kindness — by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (ca. 2004)![]() ![]() ![]() A blessing by Reb Zalman for Peace, Health, Joy, Prosperity, and Kindness which he wrote in spray paint on a municipal water tank behind his house in Colorado. . . . ![]() ![]() “Prayer for Dedication of Hospital Chapel” by Rabbi Morrison David Bial was first published in his anthology, An Offering of Prayer (1962), p. 68, from where this prayer was transcribed. No contextual information was provided with the prayer, so we cannot say when the prayer was offered or even for which hospital chapel it was dedicated. If you know, please leave a comment or contact us. . . . ![]() ![]() “A Prayer for the Ill” by Rabbi Morrison David Bial was first published in his anthology, An Offering of Prayer (1962), p. 46, from where this prayer was transcribed. . . . ![]() ![]() “A Prayer for the Despondent” by Rabbi Morrison David Bial was first published in his anthology, An Offering of Prayer (1962), p. 45, from where this prayer was transcribed. . . . ![]() ![]() A prayer for a Nurse’s Commencement ceremony at Beth Israel Hospital on 19 September 1951. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer to provide some relief and comfort tor an ill patient. . . . ![]() ![]() A prayer anticipating the spring as a metaphor for liberation, mental wellness, and spiritual rebirth. . . . [Prayer for the] Dedication of a Medical Research Clinic, by Rabbi Avraham Samuel Soltes (ca. 1950s)![]() ![]() “Dedication of Medical Research Clinic” was first published in Rabbi Avraham Soltes’ collection of prayers, תפלה Invocation: Sheaf of Prayers (Bloch 1959). . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “Courage to Withstand the Ridicule of the Worldly,” by Rabbi Mordecai Menaḥem Kaplan can be found on p. 433-4 of his The Sabbath Prayer Book (New York: The Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation, 1945). . . . מי שברך לתקופת יום הולדת | Mi sheBerakh on behalf of one celebrating a birthday, by Rabbi Dr. Mordecai Kaplan (1945)![]() ![]() “Prayer in behalf of one celebrating a birthday,” by Rabbi Mordecai Menaḥem Kaplan can be found on p. 494-497 of his The Sabbath Prayer Book (New York: The Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation, 1945) . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “Thy Will Be Done!” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 23-24. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his self-reflection, “Peace within” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 17-18. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short essay, “Facing Temptation” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 21-22. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “I Must Not Worry” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 19-20. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “Bringing Health to the Home” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 12-13. . . . “All adrift on the stream of life” a prayer for help and self-control by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy (1927)![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “I Feel Nervous and Upset” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 15-16. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This untitled prayer by Rabbi Clifton Harby Levy accompanied his short reflection, “I Seek Health and Healing” found in The Helpful Manual (Centre of Jewish Science, 1927), pp. 9-10. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() Basil L.Q. Henriques’s prayer “On a Bed of Sickness.” was first published in The Fratres Book of Prayer for the Oxford and St. George’s Synagogue Jewish Lads Club in 1916, and later reprinted in the Prayer Book of the St. George’s Settlement Synagogue (1929), “Special Prayers” section, pages 96-97. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() Basil L.Q. Henriques’s prayer “In time of stress” was first published in The Fratres Book of Prayer for the Oxford and St. George’s Synagogue Jewish Lads Club in 1916, and later reprinted in the Prayer Book of the St. George’s Settlement Synagogue (1929), “Special Prayers” section, pages 97-98. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() Basil L.Q. Henriques’s prayer “For the sick” was first published in The Fratres Book of Prayer for the Oxford and St. George’s Synagogue Jewish Lads Club in 1916, and later reprinted in the Prayer Book of the St. George’s Settlement Synagogue (1929), “Special Prayers” section, page 98. . . . ![]() ![]() Basil L.Q. Henriques’s prayers “For Peacefulness” were first published in The Fratres Book of Prayer for the Oxford and St. George’s Synagogue Jewish Lads Club in 1916, and later reprinted in the Prayer Book of the St. George’s Settlement Synagogue (1929), “Special Prayers” section, page 88. The prayer appears to be an expansion of the prayer for peace at the conclusion of the Amidah. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() Basil L.Q. Henriques’s prayer “For Hope” was first published in The Fratres Book of Prayer for the Oxford and St. George’s Synagogue Jewish Lads Club in 1916, and later reprinted in the Prayer Book of the St. George’s Settlement Synagogue (1929), “Special Prayers” section, page 94. . . . Be it ours to shed sunshine — a selection from “A Free Man’s Religious Worship” by Bertrand Russell (1910)![]() ![]() The well known philosopher Bertrand Russell had little use for organized religion and in general was quite skeptical in his religious beliefs. I am not a regular reader of Russell but apparently Mordecai Kaplan read him from time to time. In the early 1940s he came across a short essay which Russell wrote many years before entitled “A Free Man’s Religious Worship” (1910). Kaplan mentions the essay a number of times in the diary and I am struck by the fact that Kaplan quotes and focuses on what he considers to be some positive statements in this essay. As a consequence I have been reading Russell and here offer some inspiring statements from this essay. I have taken the liberty of selecting my own statements from this essay. Russell is referring here to all our fellow human beings and our obligations to all others. It is obvious that in true reconstructionist fashion we could use these statements as a prayer. To pray from Russell would be an inspiration from Kaplan. . . . תפלה בלחש | A Whispered Prayer (for protection from noxious air and people), by Tsvi Hirsch Robinson (1909)![]() A prayer for protection against noxious gases and people. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “In Sickness” was written by Annie Josephine Levi and published in her anthology of teḥinot in English, Meditations of the Heart (1900), page 147. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “In Time of Trouble” was written by Annie Josephine Levi and published in her anthology of teḥinot in English, Meditations of the Heart (1900), page 146. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() The poem “Unsung Heroism” was written by Annie Josephine Levi and published in her anthology of teḥinot in English, Meditations of the Heart (1900), page 141. . . . ![]() ![]() The piyyut, Refa Tsiri, in Hebrew with an English translation. . . . Hálaima a bajból való menekülésért | Thanksgiving for deliverance from trouble, by Rabbi Arnold Kiss (1897)![]() ![]() ![]() This prayer of thanksgiving by Rabbi Arnold Kiss for deliverance from danger, “Hálaima a bajból való menekülésért,” was first published in his anthology of prayers for Jewish women, Mirjam (1897) on p.286-288. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() This prayer by Rabbi Arnold Kiss for when one is confronted by grave difficulties, “Bajban,” was first published in his anthology of prayers for Jewish women, Mirjam (1897) on p.285-286 . . . ![]() ![]() This tkhine offers a formula for providing relief to a very ill person, and as such, should only be used as a supplement to recommendations provided by an expert physician or nurse. The source of the tkhine is Tkhine of a Highly Respected Woman, Budapest, 1896; and transcribed from The Merit of Our Mothers בזכות אמהות A Bilingual Anthology of Jewish Women’s Prayers, compiled by Tracy Guren Klirs, Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Press, 1992. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “Prayer when in Trouble” was written by Lilian Helen Montagu and published in Prayers for Jewish Working Girls (1895), pp. 28-29. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “Prayer for a Dear Relation or Friend Who is Ill” was written by Lilian Helen Montagu and published in Prayers for Jewish Working Girls (1895), pp. 26-27. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “On Recovering from Sickness” was written by Lilian Helen Montagu and published in Prayers for Jewish Working Girls (1895), page 26. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() “In Sickness” was written by Lilian Helen Montagu and published in Prayers for Jewish Working Girls (1895), page 25. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer of a woman struggling with a life-threatening illness or injury. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer of gratitude for a woman who has survived dangerous circumstances. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer of a woman experiencing desperation under difficult circumstances. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A mother’s prayer for an ill infant or child. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A supplicatory prayer on behalf of parents by their child. . . . Actions de graces après un événement heu-reux | Thanksgiving after a joyful reprieve, by Jonas Ennery & Rabbi Arnaud Aron (1852)![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer of gratitude after a dangerous and distressing situation is resolved for the good. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A thanksgiving prayer on recovering from a serious illness. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A supplication made during a period of debilitating illness. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A supplication of a wife for the recovery of her ill husband. . . . ![]() ![]() ![]() A supplication of a mother for her sick infant child. . . . Supplique dans un malheur ou dans un chagrin | Supplication in misfortune or in grief, by Jonas Ennery & Rabbi Arnaud Aron (1852)![]() ![]() ![]() A prayer in severe distress. . . . Prière d’un enfant pour un malade | A child’s prayer for a sick person, by Jonas Ennery & Rabbi Arnaud Aron (1852)![]() ![]() ![]() A child’s prayer for someone suffering from an illness. . . . Gebet in den Stunden der Wehmuth und Niedergeschlagenheit | Prayer in times of melancholy and dejection, a teḥinah by Meïr haLevi Letteris (1846)![]() ![]() ![]() “Gebet in den Stunden der Wehmuth und Niedergeschlagenheit” was written by Meïr haLevi Letteris and published in תָּחֲנוּנֵי בַּת יְהוּדָה (Taḥnunei bat Yehudah): Andachtsbuch für Israelitische Frauenzimmer (1846), pp. 95-96. In the Judeo-German edition, it is found on pp. 80-81. . . . |