175 - Kabbalat Shabbat

The recent meetings of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform) has resulted in a new Pittsburgh Platform, outlining directions for the movement in the next century. An emphasis on making ritual a part of our lives was a key part of the Platform.

Many years go, I decided that I wanted to try to light candles every Shabbat. I came to especially treasure the moment after the blessing when I could think of and bless my family and pray for their well-being in the week ahead. But what to do when I was hospitalized? The solution came from the Sisterhood of a local synagogue who visited Jewish patients Erev Shabbat with electric candlesticks and their good wishes for a speedy recovery.

One Hundred Seventy-Five

Kabbalat Shabbat

Gather the healing light of Shabbat,
Fold it around me, Blessed Healer;
Reflect sparks of returning health,
Returning home to Your kind regard.

Let this be a day of rest
From the pain and fear that has held me;
Let the work of worry be set aside,
Respite from hard duties.

Ease me with knowledge of Your creation,
Recreate my wholeness for Your sake;
Ease me with sighs of Shabbat gladness,
Peace to surround and support me.