Setting: a group of families at a home or on retreat
1. Create a space for mothers to meet as a group and share with each other what they appreciate about being a mother and what energizes them in this role
2. While mothers are meeting, have children share or create a collage of thoughts about what they most like and appreciate about their mothers
3. Have the groups re-congregate together and create a circle
4. Have a father or other adult present share/present the children’s thoughts
5. Have another father or adult offer a misheberakh. Here is one example:
Mi Shebeirakh imoteinu SarahThe first matriarch, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, whom she birthed at the age of 90. Sarah, in Rabbinic tradition, is considered holy, beautiful, and hospitable. Many prayers, particularly the Amidah (the central silent prayer), refer to God as Magen Avraham – protector of Abraham. Many Jews now add: pokehd or ezrat Sarah – guardian or helper of Sarah., RivkaThe second Jewish matriarch, Isaac's wife, and mother to Jacob and Esau. Rebecca is an active parent, talking to God when she is pregnant and learning the fate of her children, then ultimately manipulating Isaac and the children to ensure Jacob's ascendancy. Her Hebrew name is Rivka., RachelLavan's younger daughter and Jacob's beloved wife second wife (after he is initially tricked into marrying her older sister, Leah). Rachel grieves throughout her life that she is barren while Leah is so fertile. Ultimately, Rachel gives birth to Joseph and dies in childbirth with Benjamin. Rachel is remembered as compassionate (she is said to still weep for her children), and infertile women often invoke Rachel as a kind of intercessor and visit her tomb on the road to Bethlehem., LeahThe third of the Jewish matriarchs, Lead is the eldest of Lavan's daughters and one of the wives of Jacob. She is the daughter whom Lavan tricks Jacob into marrying instead of his younger daughter Rachel, whom Jacob has requested to marry. Leah is mother to six of the the twelve tribes and to one daughter, Dinah., Bilhah, Ve-Zilpah. May the one who blessed our ancestors bless all the mothers who are with us today. As you care for and nourish your children, may you too feel nourished by the Source of Life. May you not be alone in this important work of mothering, but may you always feel connected to broader networks of support. And, even amidst the challenges you face, may you be pleased with ma’aseh yadeykhen, the work of your hands and minds, knowing that you are helping to build a more whole world through your efforts. And let us say Amen!
(Close with a song relating to women or gratitude)
