Sickness is never easy—for the person who is ill or for those who love them. When someone you care about is struggling with health, it’s natural to feel powerless, anxious, or even a little lost. In Judaism, the tradition of praying for the sick is both ancient and deeply compassionate. Whether you’re at a hospital bedside, lighting a candle at home, or quietly thinking of someone far away, a prayer for the sick in Judaism is a way to bring hope, comfort, and healing.
You don’t have to be an expert or even deeply religious to pray for the sick in Jewish tradition. What matters most is your sincerity—your willingness to stand with someone in need and lift their name in hope. Let’s explore how Jewish communities pray for healing, the words of the beloved *Mi Shebeirach* prayer, and how anyone can bring a little light into a dark time.
Why Do Jews Pray for the Sick?
Judaism teaches that every life is precious and that healing is a partnership between God, human effort, and community care. Praying for the sick isn’t just about asking for miracles—it’s about supporting the whole person: body, mind, and soul. Here are a few reasons this tradition is so meaningful:
- Brings comfort and hope. Knowing others are praying can be a source of strength and encouragement for the sick and their families.
- Builds community. Jewish prayer often happens together, at synagogue or at home, connecting everyone in a circle of care.
- Invites blessing and healing. Prayer is seen as a way to open the door for both physical and spiritual healing.
- Reminds us of our shared responsibility. Visiting the sick (*bikur cholim*) and praying for them are mitzvot—good deeds commanded by Jewish law.
Even if the answer isn’t always the one we hope for, the act of praying brings light, love, and a sense of togetherness in tough times.
The Mi Shebeirach: Classic Jewish Prayer for the Sick
The best-known Jewish prayer for healing is the *Mi Shebeirach* (pronounced “mee sheh-BAY-rahkh”), which means “May the One Who Blessed.” Traditionally, it’s recited during synagogue services, often after the Torah reading, but it can be said anywhere—at home, in a hospital, or wherever comfort is needed.
Mi Shebeirach (Hebrew):
מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְאִמּוֹתֵינוּ,
הוא יְבָרֵךְ וְיִרְפָּא אֶת הַחוֹלֶה (name).
הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יִמַלֵּא רַחֲמִים עָלָיו לְהַחֲלִימוֹ וּלְרַפְאוֹ,
לְהָשִׁיבוֹ לְחַיִּים.
שְׁלַח לוֹ מְהֵרָה רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה.
רְפוּאַת הַנֶּפֶשׁ וּרְפוּאַת הַגוּף.
עִם שְׁאָר חוֹלֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל.
בְּמַהֵרָה בִּזְמַן קָרוֹב.
וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן.
Mi Shebeirach (Transliteration):
Mi shebeirach avoteinu v’imoteinu,
Hu yevarech v’yirpa et hacholeh (insert name).
HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimalei rachamim alav l’hachlimo ul’rafo,
l’hashivo l’chaim.
Sh’lach lo meheira r’fuah sh’leimah,
r’fuat hanefesh u’r’fuat haguf,
im she’ar cholei Yisrael,
b’mehira bizman karov.
V’nomar amen.
Mi Shebeirach (English Translation):
May the One who blessed our ancestors
bless and heal the one who is ill, (insert name).
May the Holy Blessed One overflow with compassion upon them,
to restore them, to heal them, to strengthen them, to enliven them.
May God send them a complete healing—healing of body and healing of spirit—
along with all those who are ill, swiftly and soon.
And let us say, Amen.
When saying the prayer, you can insert the Hebrew name of the person you’re praying for, along with their mother’s Hebrew name (for example, “Moshe ben Sarah” for Moses, son of Sarah). If you don’t know the Hebrew names, using English names is just fine.
How and When to Say a Jewish Prayer for the Sick
There’s no wrong way to pray for healing in Judaism. You can:
- Recite the Mi Shebeirach at synagogue or at home
- Include names on a communal healing list for Shabbat or holiday services
- Light a candle and say the prayer quietly
- Gather friends or family for a healing circle or bedside visit
- Pray alone or in your heart if words are hard to find
Some congregations sing a modern version of the Mi Shebeirach, set to music by Debbie Friedman, making it easy for everyone—kids, elders, and newcomers alike—to join in.
Other Traditional Jewish Prayers and Psalms for Healing
Beyond the Mi Shebeirach, there are many prayers and psalms used for comfort and healing in Jewish tradition. A few favorites include:
- Psalms 23 and 121: “The Lord is my shepherd…” and “I lift my eyes to the mountains…” are both beloved for strength and reassurance.
- Psalm 30: “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me.”
- El Na Refa Na La: This very short prayer comes from Moses pleading for his sister Miriam’s healing (Numbers 12:13):
“El na, refa na la.” (“Please God, heal her now.”)
Sometimes, the shortest prayers are the most powerful—just a few words spoken from the heart can bring enormous comfort.
Praying for Healing in Community
Jewish tradition teaches that we are responsible for each other’s well-being. Visiting the sick (*bikur cholim*), bringing meals, making phone calls, or even just sending a message of encouragement are all ways to fulfill this mitzvah. If you know someone who is ill:
- Add their name to a synagogue’s prayer list
- Organize a group to say psalms or the Mi Shebeirach together
- Include them in your Shabbat candles or blessings
- Send a card with words of healing and hope
Remember, showing up in spirit or with prayer—even if you can’t be there in person—makes a real difference.
Modern Healing Blessings
Many communities have created new blessings and songs for healing that reflect today’s hopes and challenges. You can use these words, or make up your own:
God of our ancestors, bring comfort and strength to all who are ill.
Grant wisdom to doctors, courage to caregivers, and patience to families.
Shine your light on all who need healing of body, mind, or spirit.
Let hope and love fill every heart.
Amen.
Bible Verses for Strength and Healing
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) offers words of hope for those facing illness:
- “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” — Jeremiah 17:14
- “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” — Psalm 41:3
- “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
You can read these verses aloud or quietly hold them in your heart as you pray.
Encouragement for Families and Friends
If you’re caring for someone who is sick, or if you’re praying from a distance, remember: every prayer, every kind word, every visit matters. Judaism teaches that even a single prayer can tip the balance toward mercy and healing. Don’t be afraid to ask your community for help or to reach out to others going through similar struggles.
And if you are the one who is sick, know that your name is being carried in the hearts and prayers of many—sometimes by people you’ve never even met.
Final Blessing for Healing
May the Holy One bless you with strength and courage.
May healing and comfort surround you.
May you feel the love of family, friends, and community.
And may peace and hope fill your heart, now and always.
Amen.
Final Thoughts: Hope and Healing in Jewish Prayer
A prayer for the sick in Judaism is more than words—it’s a way of showing up, holding hope, and building community. Whether you use ancient prayers, modern blessings, or just the longing of your own heart, know that you are part of a chain of care that stretches across centuries and around the world. May your prayers bring healing, and may you always find strength in the embrace of tradition and love.