My favorite prayer in the Jewish tradition is the Mi She Berach. There is a heartbreaking tune that I learned it to that stays with me throughout the day.
Today I am in need of the Mi She Berach...
Mi she berach avoteinu,
M'kor hab'racha l'imoteinu
May the source of strength, Who blessed the ones before us
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing
And let us say: Amen.
Mi she berach imoteinu,
M'kor hab'racha l'avoteinu
r'fuah sh'leima
Bless those in need of healing with r'fuah sh'leima
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit,
And let us say: Amen.
Where do you turn when you are in need?
4 comments:
Ack... /warn/ some of us before you post childhood flashback material.
Kidding. :D
My own melody that has that effect is 'Yedid Nefesh', though the tune I know isn't one I've heard in U.S. communities yet.
Really? In my limited experience I thought it wasn't a prayer used except by the more modern traditions. I'll try and warn you next time...
You're right - it's not the full words, which are definitely modern, but the first. 'Mi sheberach' is the standard opening for a litany type prayer for the sick, that calls on all sorts of biblical biggies to help with the healing.
In Orthodox traditions, a male relative of the sick person is called to the torah scroll specially to chant the prayer aloud during the service.
What a lovely updating of the sentiment!
Hi, I just stumbled on your blog today- a serendipitous find :). You may already know that the version of Mi Shebeirach you posted was written by Debbie Friedman. The tune that accompanies it is haunting and beautiful--you can hear it on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXm3lX19nQg
Sherry P., now a follower of your blog
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