We all have defining moments in our lives. Sometimes they are directly connected to ourselves such as birth, marriage and other lifecycle events. Sometimes they are connected to something greater than ourselves such as where we were on 9/11 or when we attended our first rock concert.
The years 2020-2021 will not soon – if ever – be erased from our memories. Within this time there are snapshots, moments of time that stand out for us.
One of those moments is receiving the COVID vaccine. It is a defining moment on a personal level, a communal level and a universal level. Many feel that this is a moment of jubilation, of release, and of gratitude.
Below we offer a kavanah – a spiritual intention – to be recited upon receiving the vaccine. It is designed to focus our thoughts and emotions; enhancing and elevating the moment.
רִבּוׂנוׂ שֶׁל עוׂלָם – Master of the Universe
רוׂפֵא כָּל בָּשָֹר – Healer of all Flesh
חוׂנֵן הַדַעַת – Giver of Wisdom
Our hearts are filled with gratitude and thankfulness to You G-d
for gracing the world with this lifesaving vaccine.
Thank You O Lord for bestowing upon the medical and scientific communities knowledge, wisdom, and perseverance as they partnered with the utmost haste and urgency to create this vaccine.
May all those who are ill be healed and may this vaccine
save countless lives around the world without harmful side effects.
May it be Your will O Lord that this vaccine create a shield of protection that allows free movement without fear, reuniting loved ones who have suffered loneliness and isolation.
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And may we enjoy much blessing, light, and good for many years to come.
כִּי עִמְּךָ מְקוֹר חַיִּים בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה אוֹר (Ps 36:10)
For with You is the source of life; by Your light may we see light.
(Ps 19:15) יִהְיוּ לְרָצון אִמְרֵי פִי וְהֶגְיון לִבִּי לְפָנֶיךָ. ה’ צוּרִי וְגאֲלִי
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart find favor before You O God, my Rock and Redeemer.
Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe serves as the Associate Rabba at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in Bronx, NY, after receiving Semicha from Yeshivat Maharat in 2017. She is a dynamic educator who loves teaching in Hebrew or English and inspiring others to learn. She has taught many to leyn and is the voice of the JOFA Megillat Esther and Megillat Rut Apps. Some of her favorite pastimes are kickboxing and reading books to her grandchildren. Rabbanit Bracha lives in Riverdale, NY with her husband Martin.
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