Prayer for the Sick Jewish in Hebrew: Essential Guide, 3 Steps

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prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

The phrase prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew refers to time-honoured Hebrew prayers and psalms recited to ask for healing, strength and comfort for someone who is unwell. Whether you are visiting a friend in hospital, participating in a synagogue service, or wishing to support a loved one privately at home, learning the basics of the Jewish healing prayer, often called Mi Sheberach, can help you offer compassion in a respectful and meaningful way.

This guide explains what the prayer is, how it is used, and how you can say it in Hebrew (with transliteration), even if you are not a Hebrew speaker. It also covers customs like using the person’s Hebrew name and their mother’s name, helpful psalms, and pastoral etiquette, so you can offer a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew with confidence and sensitivity.

What is the prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew?

In many communities, the core prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew is known as Mi Sheberach (מי שברך), literally “May the One who blessed…”. It is a formula used in the synagogue to invoke blessing on various occasions, including for those in need of healing. The healing version asks God to send a refu’ah shleimah (רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה) — a complete recovery — of body and spirit.

Traditionally, the Mi Sheberach for the ill is recited during Torah services (often on Shabbat and festivals), when people submit names to be read aloud. In recent decades, a widely sung version popularised in the Reform movement by Debbie Friedman has made the prayer common across Jewish life. However, the practice is ancient, rooted in the value of bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and the biblical belief that prayer can bring comfort and hope.

In addition to Mi Sheberach, there is a very short biblical plea recorded in Numbers 12:13. When Moses prays for his sister Miriam, he says: “El na, refa na lah” — “Please, God, heal her, please.” Many people use this simple verse as a succinct prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew when time or circumstances call for brevity.

Core Hebrew texts you can use for prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Mi Sheberach: the classic prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew (text and meaning)

Below is a commonly used traditional version. The name of the person who is ill is inserted with their Hebrew name and their mother’s Hebrew name (for example, “Leah bat Rivkah”). If you do not know Hebrew names, you can use given names in your language.

Hebrew:
מי שברך אבותינו אברהם יצחק ויעקב, אמותינו שרה רבקה רחל ולאה, הוא יברך וירפא את החולה/את החולה [שם] בן/בת [שם האם].
הקדוש ברוך הוא ימלא רחמים עליו/עליה, להחלימו ולרפותו, לחזקו ולהחיותו; וישלח לו/לה מהרה רפואה שלמה מן השמים, רפאת הנפש ורפאת הגוף, בתוך שאר חולי ישראל. ונאמר: אמן.

Transliteration (simplified):
Mi sheberach avoteinu Avraham, Yitzchak v’Ya’akov, imoteinu Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel v’Leah, hu yevarech v’yerafe et ha-choleh/ha-cholah [Name] ben/bat [Mother’s Name].
HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimale rachamim alav/aleha, lehachlimo u’lerapoto, lehaziko u’le-hachyoto; v’yishlach lo/lah meh-eirah refu’ah shleimah min ha-shamayim, refuat ha-nefesh u’refuat ha-guf, b’toch she’ar cholei Yisrael. V’nomar: Amen.

Plain English meaning:
“May the One who blessed our ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal [Name] son/daughter of [Mother’s Name]. May the Holy One, blessed be He, overflow with compassion for him/her, to restore, heal, strengthen and enliven him/her. May God swiftly send him/her a complete healing from heaven, a healing of the soul and a healing of the body, together with all who are ill among Israel. And let us say: Amen.”

“El na, refa na lah”: the shortest biblical healing prayer

Hebrew: אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ
Transliteration: El na, refa na lah (for a female); for a male: El na, refa na lo.
Meaning: “Please, God, heal her (him), please.”
You can repeat this verse slowly several times, focusing on the person’s name and need. This is a very direct way to offer a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew when you prefer a few heartfelt words.

Psalms (Tehillim) often used for healing

Psalm 121 (Shir LaMa’alot): trust in God’s protection — many recite this as part of a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew.
Psalm 130 (Out of the depths): a plea from distress, asking for mercy.
Psalm 20: traditional for times of trouble.
Psalm 6: a classic healing psalm.

You can read these psalms in any language. If you wish to personalise them, mention the person’s name before or after the psalm, folding them into your prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew.

How to say a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew at home or in synagogue

You do not need to be a rabbi or fluent in Hebrew to say a meaningful prayer. These simple steps can guide you.

Set your intention. Find a quiet moment. Think about the person you are praying for and what they need most — strength, hope, pain relief, calm, or resilience.
Use the person’s name. Jewish custom uses the Hebrew name together with the mother’s name, e.g., “Moshe ben Sarah” or “Esther bat Miriam”. If you only know English names, that is fine. Intention matters more than perfection.
Choose the text. You might say the full Mi Sheberach or the short “El na, refa na lo/lah.” If you prefer, read a psalm. Any of these can serve as a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew.
Pronounce as best you can. Use the transliteration provided. Go slowly and clearly; sincerity outweighs accuracy.
Add a personal line. After the Hebrew, include a simple sentence in English such as, “May [Name] know comfort, strength and swift healing.”
Consider giving tzedakah. Many pair a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew with a gift to charity in the person’s honour, an act believed to add merit to the prayer.
Share with community. Ask your synagogue or friends to add the person to the Mi Sheberach list. Communal prayer can bring emotional support to the family and the person who is unwell.
Repeat over time. Healing is often a journey. Saying the prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew regularly — daily or weekly — can help you sustain care and attention.

Names and customs connected to prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

When offering a prayer for healing, Jewish usage typically identifies the person by their Hebrew name and their mother’s Hebrew name (ben = son of, bat = daughter of). This reflects a traditional link with divine compassion associated with the maternal line. If Hebrew names are unknown, using common names is fully acceptable; the heart of a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew is the intention to bless and heal.

Some communities maintain a public list of names for whom the Mi Sheberach is recited each week, and remove names after recovery. In severe illness, some groups add an extra Hebrew name (like “Chaim/Chaya” meaning “life”) as a symbolic plea for renewed strength. Always consult family and respect their wishes regarding any ritual steps.

While many prayers are traditionally said in synagogue, it is increasingly common to hear the prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew at home, in hospital rooms, over video calls, and during small gatherings. The unifying theme is compassion, dignity and hope.

Transliteration and pronunciation tips for prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Ch is a throat sound, like the “ch” in the Scottish “loch”. If that is difficult, a soft “h” is acceptable.
Sh as in “she” (e.g., “Sheberach”).
Refu’ah shleimah is pronounced reh-foo-AH SHLAY-mah, meaning “complete healing”. Use this phrase in cards or messages along with your prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew.
Ben/Bat: “ben” (beh-n) for male; “bat” (baht) for female.

Transliteration varies slightly by community (Ashkenazi or Sephardi pronunciations). Do not be anxious about getting it “perfect”; a gentle, respectful delivery is ideal for any prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew.

Etiquette and sensitivity when offering a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Ask permission if possible. Some prefer privacy. Offer to pray and respect the answer.
Be inclusive and non-intrusive. A prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew should never pressure the person or replace medical care. It is an expression of support, not a prescription.
Match tone to the person’s needs. For someone anxious, a short, calm verse may be best; for someone seeking uplift, a sung Mi Sheberach can be moving.
Respect different Jewish practices. Customs vary between Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other communities. If you are unsure, ask a family member or rabbi.

Common mistakes to avoid with prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Misidentifying the name. Using the wrong person’s details can be upsetting. If in doubt, omit the names or use the person’s common name respectfully.
Overcomplicating the moment. A simple prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew, even the single line “El na, refa na lah/lo,” can be more helpful than a long recitation that overwhelms.
Turning prayer into debate. This is not the time to argue theology. Keep the focus on healing, kindness and presence.
Neglecting practical help. Prayer is most meaningful when accompanied by tangible support — meals, lifts to appointments, or companionship.

Example scripts for prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Very short option (for anyone):
Hebrew: אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ / לוֹ
Transliteration: El na, refa na lah/lo.
English: Please, God, heal her/him, please.
You can add: “Refu’ah shleimah to [Name].”

Short Mi Sheberach-style option:
Hebrew (abridged): מי שברך … הוא יברך וירפא את [Name] בן/בת [Mother’s Name]. וישלח לו/לה רפואה שלמה מן השמים, רפאת הנפש ורפאת הגוף. אמן.
Transliteration: Mi sheberach… hu yevarech v’yerafe et [Name] ben/bat [Mother’s Name]. V’yishlach lo/lah refu’ah shleimah min ha-shamayim, refuat ha-nefesh u’refuat ha-guf. Amen.
English: May the One who blessed our ancestors bless and heal [Name], sending complete healing of soul and body. Amen.

With a psalm:
“Tehillim, Psalm 121” followed by: “May this prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew bring comfort and strength to [Name] ben/bat [Mother’s Name].”

When to use English versus Hebrew for prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew

Hebrew carries a sense of continuity and sacred resonance, which is why many favour a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew. Yet, Judaism also honours understanding and intention. If English (or your first language) allows you to express care more clearly, use it, or combine both: a short Hebrew line followed by a heartfelt English sentence can be ideal.

In interfaith families or wider circles of friends, explain the meaning briefly so everyone can share the intention. The heart of a prayer for the sick jewish in hebrew is compassion, and that speaks across languages.