Cantor's Corner

Prayers for Vaccination

Dear Ohr Kodesh Parents,

As many of us bring our 5- to 11-year-old children to vaccination appointments this week, myself included, we breathe a sigh of relief: the end is in sight. I feel like I've been holding my breath for 20 months, and finally, a release.

We can capture these feelings, and "Name our Moments," in prayer. There are a few floating around, and I've linked them below. I've included mine here - if it resonates with you, use it! If you find your own gratitude outpouring, I encourage you to capture your own prayers on paper, too. If you do, I hope you'll share them with me.

If you're looking for a simple blessing with words from tradition, try the  blessing for good news,  hatov vehameitiv, or shehecheyanu. I have also been thinking a lot about  asher yatzar, typically reserved for morning blessings and after one goes to the bathroom, it’s a blessing that extols God in wonder that our bodies function properly.

We are in this together. From my perch here in OKC, I have been so gratified to see how much our families care about one another, how dedicated we have been and are to building this community even in the most isolating of times. Kein yirbu - let us always know the power of being in community together, and may we be blessed to safely be in close proximity very soon.

Best wishes for our continued good health and safety.

Shavuah Tov,
Cantor Labovitz

Other Prayers for Vaccination

• Prayer for the Vaccine by Rabbi Karen Reiss Medwed 
• Prayer Before a Vaccination by Rabbi Ruth Adar
• Masorti Movement Prayer for Those Receiving Vaccinations
• Prayers for the COVID Vaccine from the Rabbinical Assembly