Lifecycle Events
Prayer For Healing
We invite you to send us the name(s) of loved ones who are facing the challenge of illness, that we may support them, and you, by inclusion in our communal Mi Shebeirach prayers.
The Mi Shebeirach prayer is one of the central Jewish prayers for those who are facing the challenge of illness. The prayer includes pleas for both physical and spiritual healing within the community of others facing illness. Traditionally, the Mi Shebeirach prayer is said in synagogue when the Torah is read. In modern times, the Mi Shebeirach is often said by professional health caregivers, patients, and loved ones at various times during treatment and recovery from illness of all sorts.
Mi Sheberach
Mi Sheberach
Avoteinu: Avraham, Yitzhak, v’Yaakov,
v’Imoteinu: Sarah, Rivka, Rachel v’Leah,
Hu yivarekh virapei
et haholeh/haholah _____ ben/bat ______
HaKadosh Barukh Hu
yimalei rahamim alav/aleha,
l’hahalimo/l’hahlimah,
u-l’rap’oto/u-l’rap’otah,
l’hahaziko/l’hazikah,
u-l’hay-oto/u-l’hay-otah.
V’yishlah lo/lah bim-hera
r’fuah shlemah,
r’fu-at hanefesh u-r’fu-at hagoof,
b’tokh sh’ar holei Yisrael v’holei yoshvei tevel,
hashta ba’agalah u-vizman kariv,
v’no-mar, Amen!
May the One who blessed our ancestors —
Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah
bless and heal the one who is ill:
__________ son/daughter of _________.
May the Holy Blessed One
overflow with compassion upon him/her,
to restore him/her,
to heal him/her,
to strengthen him/her,
to enliven him/her.
The One will send him/her, speedily,
a complete healing —
healing of the soul and healing of the body
along with all the ill,
among the people of Israel and all humankind,
soon, speedily, without delay,
and let us all say: Amen!
A Prayer For Healing
In my illness, I turn to You, for I am Your creation.
Your strength and courage are in my spirit,
and Your powers of healing are within my body.
May it be Your will to restore me to health.
In my illness I have learned what is great and what is small.
I know how dependent I am upon You.
My own pain and anxiety have been my teachers.
May I never forget this precious knowledge when I am well again.
Bless the agents of Your healing, the physicians and nurses,
my community of friends and family, with wisdom and patience.
Their presence and dedication connect me to life itself and to You.
Blessed are You, the faithful and merciful Healer. Amen.
Marriage
Our Rabbis are available to officiate weddings, for members and their children, at Kol Ami and elsewhere. It is important that you reserve your date with the officiating Rabbi as soon as possible. If you want the wedding to take place at Kol Ami, contact the Executive Director to set the time and date. When choosing a date, remember that Jewish weddings are not performed on Shabbat or festivals (on Saturday evenings, they may be scheduled 45 minutes after sundown.)
Need Help Planning Your Celebration?
Our newly renovated spaces can accomodate everything from a basic Kiddush or sit downluncheon to a wedding or B’nai Mitzvah reception. Please visit our Celebrations page for more details.
Conversion
Conversion to Judaism is a significant act of personal religious commitment. As has always been true in Judaism, we welcome into our congregational family those who choose to make this life-changing, life-long decision. If you are interested in conversion, please meet with one of our Rabbis. You will be given information on our introductory course in Basic Judaism, which is the starting point for exploring your interest.
Bar & Bat Mitzvah
What is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Where does this tradition come from? The answer is relatively straightforward, and it is important to focus on the central meaning of this moment in a young person’s life. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience at Kol Ami begins with engaging family workshops in the 6th grade and ends with a meaningful Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat service close to the young person’s 13th birthday. Additionally, the students work extensively in one-on-one sessions with our Clergy and with their own individual tutor. Each student also takes on their own mitzvah project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program
Learning for its own sake, as well as the opportunity to become an adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah, is encouraged. This two-year program includes a study of Jewish beliefs and practice, a conceptual introduction to holidays, life cycle rituals, great friendships, and the art of asking good questions. For more information on dates and times please contact the main office or one of our Clergy.
Read Our Guide The B'nai Mitzvah Process
Attending services for the first time at Kol Ami?
Read our Guide to Worship and you will feel right at home.
Learn about participating in a Torah blessing.
Birth
Brit Milah
The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn son on the eighth day of life. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our son into Judaism’s sacred covenant. We can recommend a Mohel (ritual circumciser), help the family understand the ceremony, and co-officiate with the Mohel.
Baby Naming/Simchat Bat
We celebrate the great blessing of our newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. We can help you think through and design this ceremony, which can take place either at home, or at the synagogue, on a Shabbat, or any day the Torah is read (Monday, Thursday, Festivals, Rosh Chodesh).
Need Help Planning Your Celebration?
Our newly renovated spaces can accomodate everything from a basic Kiddush or sit down luncheon to a wedding or B’nai Mitzvah reception. Please visit our Celebrations page for more details.