Healing

Searching for meaning or solace in a time of sickness or pain? Here we offer Jewish insights and rituals, both traditional and contemporary, for those in need of healing.

To access the CLAL Healing Archive, click here.

Recovering From Illness

Healing can be a slow process. But we need not wait for our full recovery to celebrate that we ARE getting better and our bodies are, indeed, healing. In the company of those who have cared for and supported us, it is never too soon to give thanks.

Meditation

May all those who are ill be blessed with the strength and patience to reach moments of gratitude.

Blessing

(Before beginning the Havdallah ceremony, the one who is recovering says)

Just as we shall mark the distinction between the Sabbath day and the days of the week, I wish to mark this moment: I have been raised from darkness to light, from weakness to strength, and from sickness to health. For all this, for God’s help, for all your help and caring, I am grateful. Blessed are You, who constantly renews creation.

Barukh atah Adonai, eloheinu melekh ha’olam, hagomel le’chayavim tovot, she’gmaliani kal tov.

Blessed is the Source of healing who has helped and guided me with goodness.

Praised are You, my God, ruler of the universe, who has graciously brought me healing and healers.

(Those present respond)

Mi she’gmalkha (she’gmalekh) kol tov, hu yigmolkha (yigm’lekh) kol tov selah.

May God continue to bless you with all that is good.

Ritual

Hold a simple meal of celebration on a Saturday night. Invite those who have supported you through your illness to join you to share your blessings for healing just before the Havdallah ceremony. Just as Havdallah marks the separation between Shabbat and the days of the week, on this evening, you are marking the separation between illness and recovery.

Teaching

From my narrow place, God, I called out, and You answered me with infinite expansiveness. Open for me the right gates, and I will pass through them.

(Adapted from Psalms)

Rabbi Joseph the son of Rabbi ben Levi became ill and fell into a trance. When he recovered, his father-in-law asked him, "What did you see?"

"I saw a topsy-turvy world," he replied. "The upper class underneath the lower class on top."

"My son," his father-in-law observed, "you saw a clear world."

(Babylonian Talmud, Pesachim 50a)

And joy is the great healer! And in time to come there will be tremendous joy.

(Rabbi Nachman of Bratzlav)

Harofay l’shvurai lev

God heals our brokenness

(CLAL Faculty)