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Healing from Illness

Person lying on a bed in a dimly lit room, facing a window with sheer curtains.

While there are many traditional Jewish prayers for healing, the feminist movement empowered first women and then men and women to create many more prayers and ceremonies which spoke to the specific situations in which they found themselves. The complexity of modern medicine has added to this need for prayers for medical tests, prayers before surgery, prayers after chemotherapy and for each chemo session, etc. In addition, several writers on Ritualwell have created ceremonies to celebrate an important anniversary in relationship to their disease. 

 

Latest Rituals

Ritual haircut ceremony for someone undergoing chemotherapy

A person getting a haircut outdoors, surrounded by a small seated audience and festive string lights.

“From the makor ha’hayim – the Source of All Life – we draw forth these blessings”

Two people holding hands, symbolizing support and friendship.

“I’m not sure how to stand before You”

Silhouette of a person standing with hands up, facing a vibrant sunset over a mountain landscape.

Blessing using feminine God language on receiving a diagnosis

Silhouette of a person with raised hands against a colorful sunset over the ocean.

Preparing ourselves for reaching out via phone or Zoom in a holy, intentional way

Man lying in bed wearing a mask, looking at a smartphone with a concerned expression.

“We thank You for sparing us from worse”

A woman sits thoughtfully with hands clasped under her chin, gazing towards a bright window in a cozy room.
“It ravages my soul every day without end”
Person in a hoodie sitting against a wall in a dimly lit room, with hands clasped in front of their face.

“May we all know a complete healing to be truly free and whole”

Silhouette of a person with arms outstretched on a mountain, sun shining through, surrounded by lush greenery.

“I thank you for containing my cancer, not letting it spread beyond your confines”

A person wearing a white top holds their hand to their chest, showing jewelry and a beaded bracelet.

“We come to drink / Sacred waters”

View into a stone well with green leaves and water reflecting the sky at the bottom.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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The Reconstructionist Network