Blessing the Children
Customs
Click here to show more Customs content ↓
Blessing Oneself on Erev Shabbat
Based on the traditional blessing over the children, this alternative blessing by Rabbi Kami Knapp encourages people to bless themselves to
An Original Blessing of the Children and the Parents
This video show the recitation of an original blessing for the protection and joy of families during a unique Kabbalat
Alternative Blessing for Children with Masculine and Feminine God Language
This post presents the blessing for the children using both traditional male God-language as well as feminine God-language, reflecting a blend of Jewish tradition
A Rabbi Blesses the Children of his Congregation
In this short recording, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue (Conservative) Synagogue in New York City blesses the children in his congregation
Learn How
Click here to show more Learn How content ↓
How and Why Jewish Parents Bless Their Children on Shabbat
This sweet animated video includes a brief explanation about why Jewish parents traditionally bless their children on Shabbat, as well as various
Parent Blessings Handbook: How to Select, Personalize or Write Your Own
This post contains a 7 page Parent Blessings Handbook designed to help the parents of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah select, personalize
How to Perform the Blessings Over the Children
This minute long video demonstrates how to recite the blessing over the children for both sons and daughters in Hebrew
Rabbi Teaches Congregants the Blessing Over the Children
In these two short videos, one for sons and one for daughters, Rabbi Marc Kline teachers parents at the Reform
Informative Articles & Videos
Click here to show more Informative Articles & Videos content ↓
Chief Rabbi of the UK on Blessing the Children on Shabbat
In this short video, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the United Kingdom, Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, explains why children are blessed
The Origins and Meaning Behind the Blessing Over the Children
In this 3:17 long video, Rabbi Spike Anderson from the Reform Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta explains the origins and meaning
Rabbi Yitz Wyne Explains the Blessing Over the Children
In this 2:43 long video, Rabbi Yitz Wyne, the founder and spiritual leader of Young Israel Aish of Las Vegas,
The Blessing Over the Children as an Expression of Love
In this 3.5 minute video, Rabbi Janet Ross Marder demonstrates how the blessing over the children allows family members to express their
Seeing Parenthood’s Trajectory in the Priestly Blessing
This thoughtful article by Rabbi Noah Arnow provides an interesting Hassidic interpretation of the priestly blessing, which is part of
Introduction to the Blessing Over the Children
This short article offers a brief introduction to the structure and customs of the blessing over the children, traditionally recited
Blessing the Children and the Importance of Family
In this article, Ariela Pelaia presents how the blessing over the children on Shabbat is traditionally practiced, as well as ways
Personalizing the Blessing of the Children on Shabbat
This article shows how the ritual blessing over the children on Shabbat can be used as an opportunity to infuse
The Secret Shabbat Blessing: A Blessing from the Heart
In this essay, Rabbi Leah Doberne-Schor shares why it is important for parents to go beyond the traditional text to bless
Turn Your Home into a Temple with the Blessing Over the Children
This short article demonstrates how to say the Friday night blessing over the children in English, explaining that because this ritual includes
Click here to show less Informative Articles & Videos content ↑
Music
Click here to show more Music content ↓
Michael Ben Naim’s Original Blessing Over the Children
This music video features Israeli artist, Michael Ben Naim, and a woman (presumably his wife) singing his original, emotive melody for
An Emotive Rendition of the Priestly Blessing
This video presents a musical version of the Priestly Blessing, part of the blessing over the children traditionally recited on
Avraham Fried: The Traditional Jewish Blessing for Sons
This video features Avraham Fried singing the blessing for sons in a large open-air amphitheater in Jerusalem, accompanied by a large male
Debbie Friedman: The World of Your Dreams (Andy’s Bar Mitzvah Song)
This post presents the lyrics to “The World of Your Dreams (Andy’s Bar Mitzvah Song),” composed by beloved Jewish American
A Father’s Original Melody for the Blessing Over the Children
This video features Yerachmiel ben Yoseph singing his original, solemn melody for the blessing over the children. Although this English song is
Yehuda Katz Sings the Traditional Blessing for Daughters
In this video, American-Israeli singer Yehuda Katz performs the traditional Friday night blessing for daughters in Hebrew. In order to show respect for the
What else?
Click here to show more What else? content ↓
A Multi-Generational Blessing Over the Children
This post describes the way in which one family includes all four generations present at their Shabbat table when performing
General Blessing for Loved Ones
This general blessing can be said for any friend or loved one at the Shabbat table or, in fact, at any time.
Blessing One’s Parents on Friday Night
This ritual is for children of all ages who wish to “turn the tables” and bless their parents on Shabbat.
A Rabbi Blesses the Children of his Congregation
In this short recording, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue (Conservative) Synagogue in New York City blesses the children in his congregation
Shabbat Blessings for Pets
This post presents blessings that animal-lovers can use for their pet dogs and cats on Shabbat in English and transliterated