I started giving blessings at High Holiday services at my shul. I sat in the lobby and put up a sign on an empty chair offering blessings. Since then I’ve created a simple format and trained people. The “Blessing Booth” has become part of High Holiday services and many Friday evening services.
Giving a holy blessing is a beautiful thing. Anyone can learn to do it. It is brief, under five minutes. It is not therapy, it is about blessing them with what they want and need now. I enjoy doing it and people love receiving blessings. Go forth and bless.
I sit in a chair facing an empty chair.
Welcome
(Put them at ease.) Hello, welcome, what is your name, how are you, good Shabbos, good yontiff, have you ever gotten a bracha (blessing) before? How was it?
3 Questions
Is there an area of your lifein which you want extra divine attention?
Are there any other areas in which you want support?
What name of God are you most comfortable with?
Pause & Connect
Hold hands and breathe for a moment. Use this time to connect, feel this person.
Pray to God for clarity, support, that God help you deliver what this person needs.
Permission
Ask if you can put your hands on the person’s head. Most people say yes however they might be more comfortable having you put your hands on their shoulders, hold hands, or just sit beside each other.
Blessing
Speak in first person: I bless you, we bless you, God Bless you, this community blesses you, that….. Go big, speak what their heart really yearns for, give additional blessings for other parts of their lives, their families, friends, etc.
Breathe
Pause and hold the space until they open their eyes and are ready to move on.
Good bye
Thank you
Disconnect
Pause to let go of this person. Put them in G-d’s hands. Disconnect. Move to the next person. If you hold on to the people you bless, you will be depleted. We give them our best, and let them go. The rest is between them and the Creator.
