Rituals for Donating Blood and for Receiving Blood
In the Jewish tradition, saving a life is the most important mitzvah.[1] When medically indicated, during accidents and in some illnesses, receiving blood transfusions can be lifesaving. Securing supplies of […]
A Ritual to End Hanukkah
The idea for this ritual came about when a comment was made that when a lit candle is used to light other candles, that first candle’s flame doesn’t diminish; rather each […]
Self-Birthing: A Ritual for Termination of a Pregnancy
The decision to have an abortion is emotionally charged, whether a person has religious or secular values. Many poskim have allowed a degree of leniency and have ruled that abortion […]
Festival of Rights: Celebrating Hanukkah + 70 Years of Human Rights
A Hanukkah Prayer for a Time of Darkness
Creator of All, In the beginning You made the night sky luminous with the light of the moon and the stars and You made the daytime bright with the light […]
The Alef is an And and Two Hands
Come in – lay your hunger down on the chairs Make yourself into     And Make yourself comfortable The Alef is One and it is silent and it is small Explode […]
Ritual for Donating the Organs, Body, or Tissue of Someone Who has Died
Family member(s) may alternate reading stanzas, one person can read, or the chaplain may read: These things I know: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â How the living go on living And how the dead go […]
Ceremony for Receiving a Bone Marrow Transplant
In preparing to write this ritual, I interviewed Aubrey Hughes, a woman who is becoming a BMT nurse after a BMT saved her life. She explained that bone marrow transplants […]
Eight Angels on Eight Nights
Eight angels came to me on eight nights Each one told a story* The first one asked questions What kind of light? What is Hanukkah?    [BT Shabbat 21b] A miracle […]
Maoz Tzur for Pittsburgh
Ma’oz Tzur Yeshu’ati Rock of Ages, Fortress of Redemption, Rock of Salvation, Refuge and Shelter, Lekha na’eh leshabe’ach It is a delight, Lovely and fine, To sing Your praises. Tikon […]
