September 15, 2009 5:35 AM, I missplaced the hand writen blessings my father wrote down for us 28 years ago. B. What a beautiful custom. I have had experiences similar to those printed, with my grown -up kids. Your email address is kept private. Your transactions are secure. For a daughter, it asks God to bless her in the way God blessed Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, foremothers who possessed qualities of strength and softness, modesty, and conviction. July 8, 2018 3:28 AM, (19) She is the Founding Director of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings thousands of women to Israel each year from 18 different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage (www.jwrp.org). : Yummy Recipes for Tu B'Shvat, Guardians of the Earth: A Tu B'Shvat Video, Home  »  (15) May you feel God's Presence within you always, and may you find peace. Why does Jacob bless his younger grandson first? Each time I learn more about these customs and practice I am drawn closer to Judaism. Perfect. It is really so great, I already mailed Aish.com about this, but this is such a great site!! Both the spoken word and the written word are important in giving the blessing. Decisions were not based on, What is good for me? So I would say to my daughter: “Elana, may you be fully Elana!” And to my son I would say: “Joshua, may you be fully Joshua!” Or, in the words of the modern Jewish poet Marcia Falk: “Be who you are … and may you be blessed in all that you are” (The Book of Blessings, 1996). As our community mores continue to evolve, one might claim that we now expect both our daughters and our sons to set their sights high. Ephraim and Menashe were brothers who lived in harmony, for their life focus was the highest example of working for good for their community and people. Or perhaps we invoke Ephraim and Manasseh because these are the first two siblings in the Bible who do not fight. One day into their lives stepped Jacob, destined to be one of the fathers of the Jewish people. Translation. .audio-regular {background-color: #242021; color: #ffffff; font-size: smaller; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; width: 300px;}. Another interpretation, by 19th-century Israeli Rabbi Shmuel Hominer, notes that Ephraim and Menashe grew up in Egypt, unlike the patriarchs who all grew up in Israel. May God continue to bless you and shine His face upon you. May the Holy One turn towards you and give you peace. For Jewish girls, however, who might be inclined by society’s prejudices to think that because they are girls they need not set their sights very high, the blessing holds them up to the highest models: May God make you like the greatest women the Torah knows — Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. Ben, The Jewish term for the Seven Blessings in Hebrew is Sheva Brachot. Leshonnah tovah. Blessing the Children mid÷` LnUi:dWpn¦ke mi«x§t`§M Ye'simcha Elohim ke-Ephraim ve'chi-Menashe May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. I believe that the blessings are a very November 29, 2004 12:00 AM. March 3, 2013 10:40 PM. Joy Frayda, (10) I am 61 years old. In recent centuries, the tradition expanded to include blessing the children every Shabbat evening and on the evening of holidays. (18) Jewish Naming Ceremony is for our daughters and sons to be blessed and welcomed in the community. (2) Sylvester Makaka, Mike, (6) Kiddush Hebrew: Table of Contents|Aleph-Bet|History of Hebrew Although Jews have adopted the languages of the countries in which they live, they have always tended to retain traditional forms of greetings and congratulations either in Hebrew or Yiddish and occasionally in Aramaic, and some of these forms of greetings are adaptations of biblical verses while others are taken from the liturgy. I believe God's blessings have no limit. I bless you with the fathers blessing. Yet this is special. My siddure did not have them, neither did my machzor. (14) In recent centuries, the tradition expanded to include blessing the children every Shabbat evening and on the evening of holidays. Me, a wanting-to-be-Jew, can learn so much about the religion by visiting this site!! Then continue, for both boys and girls::L«xnWie ii L§kx¨ai:‚Pgie Li«¤l` eip¨R ii x`i Li¤l` eip¨R ii `Ui:mFlW L§l mUie Ye'varech'echa Adonoy ve-yish'merecha. I am a single mom. mike north, May God's light shine upon you, and may God be gracious to you. This blessing is traditionally used every Friday evening by parents when blessing their children. How To A blessing indeed! (different than the standard Friday night blessing)?THanks,Larry Bigoi, (20) J. Firstly, let’s answer the question “what … Now it's an honor to do it, and my one-year-old son sits there as I place my hand on his head and give him his blessing. No matter. Thanks, (8) December 1, 2004 12:00 AM. It's truly the tie that binds us as a family, and our family to its Jewish heritage. They are fine young men and very close. Sukkot 2020: Prayers And Blessings In English For 'Feast Of Booths' By Suman Varandani @suman09 10/02/20 AT 8:39 AM. 128-129.—K.] May Good look kindly upon you, and be gracious to you. But it is also confusing. And what about our daughters? Before them came Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, and, of course, Joseph's brothers who sold him as a slave – all relationships fraught with conflict and competition. For when we give to others who need us and help them to realize their potential, it fulfills our own needs and our own desires to grow. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all gave formal blessings to their children—and, in Jacob’s case, to some grandchildren. (5) I do it over my daughters n also over my two nephews. But his real concern, according to our rabbis, is that his sons will abandon his God after he has died. This letter was addressed to R. Chanoch Hendel Havlin, one of the members of the Lubavitch community in Jerusalem. The next-to-youngest son was Joseph, who had two sons, Ephraim and Menashe. covering), is the ceremony where the groom veils the bride in a Jewish wedding. But writing your words out first can take away a lot of pressure. They are children born in the Diaspora, not only Egyptian but also Israelite-children living in two worlds. As a special reward to Joseph, who remained righteous throughout his ordeal of exile, he calls forward Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Menashe, and gives them a special blessing, as well as two portions of the Land of Israel: Jacob's blessing was that they should be a blessing, an example to the Jewish people for all time. Why are the blessings so different? timely,necessary and insightful; thank you! Jacob's blessing was that they should be a blessing, an example to the Jewish people for all time. There are different customs in different homes. Joseph brings his sons close to his father, with Manasseh (often spelled Menashe), the elder, first. Netilat Yadayim: Sanctifying Our Primary Moral Instrument. Our two sons are coming home for Rosh Hasanah, and my husband always blesses them for the coming year. Yet there was something they all shared, something that Jewish women for all time would strive to emulate. Audio file. Before you were born, I felt God … In addition, of the 12 sons and their families, these two were the only ones to grow to maturity outside of the Land of Israel. I break any and all curses from you; I call your spirit to life as daughter. (21) December 26, 2014 6:13 AM. May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. THANK YOU SO MUCH AISH.COM Sign up to our Aish Weekly Update Newsletter. Rafael Rojas Cardozo, The question of blessing our daughters emerges by way of omission. I also include my grandchildren's names, and my son's, and daughter's in law as well. May the divine light of God always shine on you wherever you may go. The beloved child Joseph, whom Jacob thought was dead, is not only still alive, but he is a father, with children of his own! We wouldn't miss it for the world. Thanks Lori. The Torah is filled with accounts of these women, recording their insight, their giving nature, and their sensitivity, leadership, and special ability to inspire others. Is there a children's bracha special for Rosh Hashana? Most use the “Children’s Blessing” * that is written in a Shabbat prayer book. important part of making our children But in my desire to have God's blessing upon my family, I do so. Don't Let Canada Become a World Leader in Administering Death, Israeli Eye Doctor Treating Thousands of Ethiopians, Remembering Jews who Fought for Black Civil Rights, Right Where You're Supposed to Be: This Really Happened, Honey, Dates and Olives, Oh My!  »  Devotions in Hungarian have been written ...and the parallels given in C. Taylor's "Sayings of the Jewish Fathers," pp. May God reach out to you in tenderness, and give you peace. but on, What is good for the Jewish people? Jacob crosses his arms, putting his right hand on Ephraim’s head, and his left on Manasseh’s. May 16, 2020 5:39 PM. Following the blessing, some parents whisper loving words into their child’s ear. I wanted to know why to bless my son mentioning Ephraim and Manashe, and my daughter mentioning Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. Some people get up and go to their children's place, others have the children come to them. Marisela Quintana, A women who is blessed with a daughter looks for ways to protect her. When the needs of others are our priority, our own sense of self is heightened immeasurably, and our relationships become worlds of giving, where love and self-esteem flourish. The blessing prescribed by tradition invokes the names of Joseph's sons (according to Genesis 48:20) and the names of the matriarchs, and includes the priestly blessing.Parents may use this intimate moment as a chance to add their own words of blessing and offer expressions of love and appreciation to their children. Just before Jacob died, he called all his sons for a final blessing. good G-d fearing, giving and loving person. Ktti Vermeersch, 3. She says, "God, I offer you a prayer for my daughter." These four women are the matriarchs of the Jewish people. Elder mike, original blessing that you can write together to give to your child. For several reasons, however, we are suggesting that you put your words of blessing into written form first, before you share them out loud with your child. It is hard to imagine this blessing without recalling the earlier moment when Jacob himself stole the blessing that his father Isaac meant for his older brother Esau. Ephraim and Menashe were the first brothers among our forefathers to live without rivalry. Jewish blessing on children is a fantastic way of maintaining a special bond between parents n children. But in this case, the blessing is "Shehecheyanu", thanking HaShem for bringing them to this joyful day (See Vezot HaBerakha chapter 18 p. 169). Y'varech'cha (online-audio-converter.com).mp3. Shabbat. What were these qualities? Then Jacob blesses them both together with these words: “By you shall the people of Israel give their blessing, saying, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh” (48:18-20). God favoured me and gave me a precious gift, he gave me you, as you celebrate another year on earth, may good things continue to come your way, this new age shall be filled with blessings, happy birthday love… They all appreciate it and look forward to it. May G'd Bless Yisrael 4-ever!!! So gradually I started building up my strength, and at last I did it at the appropriate point, with everyone at the table. One of the Fathers of the Jewish people was Jacob, who had 12 sons who were to grow to become the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel. The blessing for girls: יְשִׂמֵךְ אֱלֹהִים כְּשָׂרָה רִבְקָה רָחֵל וְלֵאָה. From that day forward, they would become role models for Jewish children everywhere, as they represented qualities to emulate eternally. OR May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe. Traditionally, the priestly blessing is recited, followed by the blessing Jacob bestowed upon Ephraim and Menasseh, Joseph 's sons, or, for daughters, a blessing that they follow in the footsteps of our saintly Matriarchs. Blessing for My Daughter at Her Bat Mitzvah By Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik I wrote this blessing for my oldest daughter at her bat mitzvah. May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. It is the essential component of Jewish services, and is the only service that the Talmud calls prayer. I visit this site www.aish.com often but has never gotten to this area. You saved me. Allen Maserow, Ephraim and Menashe were the first brothers among our forefathers to live without rivalry. So simple, and we're … I will start saying it to my children right away! I feel so happy for those children who are blessed and those wonderful parents who bless them. A Blessing from a Mother to Her Daughter Upon the Occasion of Her Wedding . But then I found your article. Anonymous, May the Holy One bless you and keep you. Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah... the mothers of the Jewish people. Great information. Neither of us had cried that day until that moment. November 29, 2004 12:00 AM. September 2, 2016 2:51 AM, children depend parents,their blessing is vital indeed with God's power, (17) You are not a problem and you wanted as a daughter. I have been drawn more and more to the roots of my faith. I honestly don't know who enjoys it more, my giving it, or their receiving it. The Good Lord is indeed gracious over all of us all the time. This is my firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But Jacob wants to put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. Jacob’s blessing of his grandsons has become over the centuries the blessing bestowed regularly upon boys; but what is it about Ephraim and Manasseh that merits our blessing our sons in their name? Yechezkel, Indrani, November 28, 2004 12:00 AM. 1. Thank you for putting it so beautifully. B”H, 12 Teves, 5711, Brooklyn, Greetings and blessings, In response to your letter of 2 Teves which shares the news that, with good fortune, your daughter, Malka Yehudis, gave birth to a daughter in a good and auspicious hour.Behold I am sending my blessings of Mazel Tov! 98. In the Middle Ages, the customary blessing of children took place before Kol Nidrei (erev Yom Kippur) — the time when we are most aware of our mortality — a time reminiscent of Jacob’s deathbed blessings. May our God in heaven bless our Jewish nation forever. August 17, 2008 5:22 PM. March 3, 2013 8:29 PM, My eldest son would come home from yeshiva on erev Shabbat to return again on motzaei shabbat. August 3, 2005 12:00 AM. They are children of an Egyptian mother and a father who is one of the most powerful men in Egypt. The blessing for daughters asks God to make them like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. For several years, I was diligent to give each of my daughters a Shabbos bracha, imploring God to make them like the great Jewish matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. Our faith words can cause great things to happen... God Bless Thank-you for having them online, and available to print out. Each one possessed unique qualities that played essential roles in the strength and future of the nation. I am so sorry I didn't know about this years ago. They teach us that we do not have to fight over blessings: there are enough of them to go around. With Ephraim and Manasseh, the family pathology that unfolds in the book of Genesis, in which siblings struggle with each other, finally comes to an end. English: May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. My children are no longer at home. It is customary to bless your children at the Shabbat table.  »  But my favorite part is when my grandchildren go to each of their parents to receive their blessing. It is now a cherished memory. Reprinted with permission from The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, edited by Tamara Cohn Eskenazi and Andrea L. Weiss (New York: URJ Press and Women of Reform Judaism, 2008). Whereas we continue to bless sons by reference to Ephraim and Manasseh (“May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh”), the tradition for our daughters is different; we bless them with these words: “May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.”. On my daughter's wedding day I blessed her. Again, thank you. Jewish tradition calls for the washing of hands every morning, which serves as a reminder to use them for holy purposes. May God Bless you and keep you. Guans ,keep up feeding us with such valuable information ,tradition,history of our Jewish ancestors, (12) June 27, 2008 7:12 AM. November 29, 2010 6:29 PM. It is a custom in many Jewish homes that parents bless their children on Friday night during the Shabbat ritual. When we bless our daughters on Friday night, we are asking God to endow them with the qualities of their foremothers, and we remind ourselves what real giving is all about. For what we speak about our children is what will come to pass, whether our words are positive or negative. May God bless you and keep you. All Rights Reserved. But it wasn't all so self-sacrificing, for Rachel knew that doing the right thing, enabling Leah to step into her place, was the ultimate in her own fulfillment. Jacob fell in love with Rachel and asked her father, Laban, for her hand in marriage. Could it be because we imagine that they followed in their father’s footsteps — being part of Egyptian culture and politics — and yet still connected to their grandfather, part of-Israel’s community? Vayechi speaks of blessings, of a grandfather blessing his grandsons, a father blessing his sons. Could it be because, like so many Jews through our history, they grew up in the Diaspora and still remained Jews? A client/friend just has his first child and I was trying to explain to him the importance and meaning of this blessing. We meet them first when they are born (Genesis 41:51-53), and we encounter them again at this moment of blessing. Traditional Prayer: * Praised is God who has granted new responsibility to [name of child] and to us as his/her parents. They are both married. April 18, 2014 10:41 AM. Thus the qualities exhibited by Ephraim and Menashe being united in their quest for the good of all, as well as possessing the strength of character to maintain Jewish values in a non-Jewish environment – became the benchmark for raising Jewish children even millennia later. This farewell scene cannot fail to move us. Your testimony is an inspiration. Is Jacob asserting through his act of blessing that birth order no longer determines one’s destiny — and that blessing is an act of will as opposed to an accident of chance? 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