Misheberach, the traditional Jewish prayer for healing, is said in most synagogues each week after the Torah reading. There are a number of versions of this prayer, some more creative, some more egalitarian. Here's one that is neither but is short and to the point:
He who blessed our fathers Abraham, Issac and Jacob, Moses and Aaron, David and Solomon, may he heal [name] who is ill. May the Holy One, blessed be he, have mercy and speedily restore [this person] to perfect health, both spiritual and physical; and let us say, Amen.
Last Shabbat, Jews all over the world were saying this prayer for Ariel Sharon, and we will be saying it again this week, as well, as his condition remains serious and unpredicatable.
But this is a request for those of you who are so inclined to find room in your thoughts and prayers for someone else, the god-mother of this blog, so-to-speak, who is also lying in a hospital bed with a (hopefully) somewhat less serious but maddeningly perplexing illness. Matt Drachenberg sums up his wife's situation, as of yesterday, here, with a remarkably brave face. He's also got suggestions for how you can send an encouraging message directly to Vicky. May she be restored speedily to perfect health, both spiritual and physical.
Shabbat Shalom.
