So many of you have long-anticipated the opportunity to protect your children against COVID-19, and we join you in celebrating the approval of vaccinations for children ages five to eleven. While it is truly a blessing to have arrived at this time, we still hold our breath as we wait for the youngest of us to be vaccinated, along with those whose medical conditions make them unable to receive it.
We know that for those of you vaccinating your children, the experience can be more deeply felt than anticipated--both for children and parents. With this in mind, we are sharing with you prayers written for this occasion, inviting you to reflect on this significant moment in a uniquely Jewish way.
Prayer to be Recited by Children
Holy One of Life and Love
Wrap me in a warm embrace as I prepare to receive my COVID-9 vaccine. I give thanks for the doctors and scientists who are creators like You, for the wise people who approved the vaccine, and for everyone who made sure this was available for kids.
In my heart, I know this vaccine is good for me. It will keep me safe and help others too. I am grateful for the power of blessing which makes me stronger by taking my mind off any pain.
Thank you God for listening to our prayers.
Blessing to You, the Heart and Healer of all humanity
Adapted from Rabbi Lisa Gelber and Zahara Gelber
Prayer to be Recited by Parent/Guardian
I have been praying for this day and now it is here!
With great excitement, a touch of trepidation
And with deep gratitude
I give thanks
To all the scientists who toiled day and night
So that my child might receive this tiny vaccination
That will protect all souls around this world.
Let this be the beginning of a new day,
A new time of hope, of joy, of freedom
And most of all, of health.
I thank You, God, for blessing us with life
For sustaining our lives
And for enabling us to reach this awe-filled moment.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Sovereign of all, who is good and bestows good.
Adapted from Rabbi Naomi Levy
We cannot overstate the importance of vaccinations, for ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and especially for those who cannot be vaccinated against this terrible virus. The more of us that get immunized, the more we here at TI can look forward to carefully returning to one another, to expanding Shabbat programming, to ramping up social opportunities, and to engaging in learning together. If you are able, please do your part to bring an end to this extended season of loneliness and isolation so we can look forward to being together soon.
We wish you a healthy Shavua Tov,
Rabbi Michael Werbow
Rabbi Kelley Gludt
