Taylor and Lee Ann’s Blessings:   

Lighting of the Candles. We open this Shabbat by lighting candles.  (light them) Blessed are these tiny fires, as they symbolize both light in times of darkness, and warmth in times of cold.   Our ancestors going back to the time of cave-dwelling lit fires—and we are blessed to continue this tradition.

Breaking of Bread.   Bless this bread, which symbolizes all nourishing food. (Eat a bite)  We are blessed with having food tonight, and wish sufficient food for everyone.

Blessing of the Earth.   We bless the earth which supports all life as we know it. (hold a lump of earth).   This earth connects us all, provides all that we need, was here before us and will be here after us.   May it heal itself and support bountiful life and diversity.

Blessing of the Air.   We bless the air we breathe.  (take a deep slow breath) This air is always here, and fills our lungs, carries our voices, and connects us with the trees.  May this air stay clean and keep us alive.

Blessing of People we Love.   We bestow our blessing on each of the people we love (take a moment to think about who we love).   We send beams of our love, and energy to each of them (picture sunbeams touching them).

Blessing of Four-legged companions.   We bless our cats and dogs…these four-legged companions who teach us about unconditional love, and make us laugh.

Blessing of Our Hearts, lungs and other Organs. We bless our hearts, lungs and other organs (place you hand on your chest) for working so elegantly to keep us alive.   We promise to do everything we can to support them and treat them with honor.

Blessing of Health Workers.  We bless those who are working to care for the sickest of us, who are toiling to give them the intensive care and other support they can—to help them recover and return to health.   We wish them continued health and strength.


haggadah Section: Shulchan Oreich
Source: Taylor Frome and Lee Ann