Blessing over the Shabbat Candles
We light the Shabbat candles on Friday at sunset. After the candles are lit, we stratch our arms towards the cndles and move them inwards in a circular motion - ushering in Shabbat - three times. We then cover our eyes and recite the blessing.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kidshanu be'mitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are you Adonai, our God, Guide of the universe, who consecrated us with mitzvot and commanded us to kindle Shabbat candles.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha'olam asher kidshanu be'mitzvotav vetzivanu lehadlik ner shel Shabbat.
Blessed are you Adonai, our God, Guide of the universe, who consecrated us with mitzvot and commanded us to kindle Shabbat candles.
BLESSING THE CHILDREN
It is customary for parents to give this special blessing to their children on Friday evening before the Shabbat meal.
Parents place their hands on the heads of their children and recite:
Yesimeich Elohim k'Sarah Rivka Rachel v'Leah
Yesimcha Elohim k'Efrayim v'chi'Menashe
Y'varechecha Adonai, v'yishmerecha
Ya-eir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha,
v'yaseim l'cha shalom.
May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.
May God make you like Efrayim and Menashe
May God bless you and watch over you
May God shine God's light on you and find good in you
May God turn God's face towards you and give you peace.
Parents place their hands on the heads of their children and recite:
Yesimeich Elohim k'Sarah Rivka Rachel v'Leah
Yesimcha Elohim k'Efrayim v'chi'Menashe
Y'varechecha Adonai, v'yishmerecha
Ya-eir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha,
v'yaseim l'cha shalom.
May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.
May God make you like Efrayim and Menashe
May God bless you and watch over you
May God shine God's light on you and find good in you
May God turn God's face towards you and give you peace.
alternative blessing the children (song)
Reform composer and musician Debbie Friedman z"l created a modern adaptation for this ritual:
May God bless you and keep you every moment every day
May God smile at you, and fill your heart in every way
May God help you find the goodness in everything you do
May you be blessed with peace from above
Y'varechecha Adonai, v'yishmerecha
Ya-eir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha,
v'yaseim l'cha shalom.
May God bless you and keep you every moment every day
May God smile at you, and fill your heart in every way
May God help you find the goodness in everything you do
May you be blessed with peace from above
Y'varechecha Adonai, v'yishmerecha
Ya-eir Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha,
v'yaseim l'cha shalom.
