Prayer for the sick in hebrew: the complete, essential guide

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prayer for the sick in hebrew

The phrase prayer for the sick in hebrew refers to a cherished set of Jewish prayers asking for healing, comfort, and strength for those who are unwell. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet deeply personal, these prayers give families, friends, and communities a way to express hope and compassion. Whether you are visiting a loved one, attending a synagogue service, or seeking words for your own quiet reflection, understanding how a prayer for the sick in hebrew works will help you speak from the heart with confidence and care.

In Jewish life, the best-known prayer for healing is the Mi Sheberach, a communal and private formula asking for a refuah shleimah—a complete recovery of body and spirit. While customs vary, the intention is constant: to connect the person in need with divine mercy and with the supportive presence of community. This guide explains what prayer for the sick in hebrew means, how and when to use it, the Hebrew words you are likely to encounter, and gentle etiquette for real-life situations.

What is prayer for the sick in hebrew?

At its core, prayer for the sick in hebrew is a way to articulate care, ask for healing, and uphold the dignity of the person who is ill. In Hebrew, the central idea is refuah (healing) and rachamim (compassion/mercy). The most widely used text is the Mi Sheberach—literally, “May the One who blessed…”. It invokes God who blessed the ancestors, and asks that the same blessing be extended to the person who is ill. In many communities, the person’s Hebrew name is said with their mother’s Hebrew name, a tradition that symbolises compassion and life-giving bonds.

While there are multiple versions and melodies, a prayer for the sick in hebrew typically includes:

An invocation to the God of the ancestors.
Naming the person who needs healing (by Hebrew name, where known).
A specific request for a refuah shleimah—healing of body and soul.
A closing that includes the wider community (“among the other sick of Israel” or “among all who are in need of healing”).

Mi Sheberach: the best-known Jewish healing prayer

The Mi Sheberach is the heart of the prayer for the sick in hebrew. It is often recited in synagogue after the Torah reading, during communal prayers for those who are unwell, or at home by family and friends. The text asks for compassionate care and a full recovery. In many communities, people submit names to a “Mi Sheberach list”, ensuring the community prays for them regularly.

A very short biblical plea for healing

If you want a brief prayer for the sick in hebrew, you can use the verse said by Moses for his sister Miriam (Numbers 12:13): “El na, refa na la,” meaning “Please, God, please heal her.” It is only five Hebrew words, yet it carries deep earnestness and humility. This compact phrase can be repeated quietly at a bedside, in a waiting room, or before a medical appointment.

Why people say prayer for the sick in hebrew today

People say prayer for the sick in hebrew for many reasons. Some find strength in continuity with Jewish heritage. Others value the focus it brings at difficult times. For those who are ill, hearing their name spoken with care can be powerfully affirming. And for carers, friends, and communities, prayer provides a structured way to express love and solidarity when it is hard to find words.

It offers emotional grounding: pausing to say a prayer for the sick in hebrew centres our attention on hope, compassion, and presence.
It affirms dignity: naming the person honours their identity and story.
It connects to community: communal recitation brings support that many find healing in itself.
It encourages good actions: Jewish tradition pairs prayer with deeds such as visiting the sick (bikur cholim) and providing practical help.

How to say prayer for the sick in hebrew

You do not need to be an expert in Hebrew to say a prayer for healing. Below are simple steps to help you use prayer for the sick in hebrew in a synagogue, at home, or during a visit.

Choosing the name to say

Traditionally, when using a prayer for the sick in hebrew, the person is named as “X son/daughter of Y”, where Y is the mother’s name. For example, “David ben Sarah” (David, son of Sarah) or “Miriam bat Leah” (Miriam, daughter of Leah). If you do not know the Hebrew names, use the names you do know—God understands your intention.

When to say the prayer

In synagogue: after the Torah reading, during communal prayers for those who are unwell.
At home: before lighting Shabbat candles, before or after meals, or whenever you feel moved.
During visits: quietly by the bedside, or silently in your heart if privacy is a concern.
Alone: as personal reflection, using the prayer for the sick in hebrew or a translation.

Step-by-step: at home or during a visit

Settle yourself and breathe. Bring the person gently to mind.
Say their name (e.g., “Please heal Miriam bat Leah”).
Recite a short prayer for the sick in hebrew such as “El na, refa na la” or a full Mi Sheberach.
Add your own words, in English if you prefer, naming what you hope for: relief from pain, courage, restful sleep.
Conclude with a phrase like “Amen” or “May it be so”.

Step-by-step: in synagogue

Ask the service leader or office how to add a name to the Mi Sheberach list.
Provide the person’s Hebrew name and their mother’s Hebrew name if known.
Be ready to stand or raise your hand when healing names are read, or follow the community’s custom.
Join in the responses, and keep the person in mind as you say the prayer for the sick in hebrew together.

Consent and sensitivity

Before sharing someone’s name or condition in a public setting, seek their consent if possible. A prayer for the sick in hebrew does not require you to disclose details—privacy, dignity, and the person’s own wishes come first. You can pray for “a friend” or use initials if appropriate.

Texts and transliterations you can use

Here are two accessible options—one short, one fuller—to help you use prayer for the sick in hebrew. If pronouncing Hebrew feels daunting, use the transliteration or read in English; the intention matters most.

Short verse (Numbers 12:13)

Hebrew: אל נא רפא נא לה

Transliteration: El na, refa na la.

Meaning: Please, God, please heal her. For a male, some say “El na, refa na lo.” For plural: “Lahem.”

Mi Sheberach (classic healing prayer)

Hebrew (concise form): מי שברך אבותינו אברהם יצחק ויעקב, ואמותינו שרה רבקה רחל ולאה, הוא יברך וירפא את [Name] בן/בת [Mother’s Name]. הקדוש ברוך הוא ימלא רחמים עליו/עליה, לשלוח לו/לה רפואה שלמה, רפואת הנפש ורפואת הגוף, בתוך שאר חולי ישראל. ונאמר אמן.

Transliteration (guide): Mi sheberach avoteinu Avraham, Yitzchak v’Ya’akov, ve’imoteinu Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel v’Leah, hu yevarech v’yirape et [Name] ben/bat [Mother’s Name]. HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimalei rachamim alav/aleha, lishlo’ach lo/ilah refuah shleimah, refuat hanefesh u’refuat haguf, betoch she’ar cholei Yisrael. V’nomar: Amen.

Simple English: May the One who blessed our ancestors bless and heal [Name], child of [Mother’s Name]. May the Holy Blessed One fill them with compassion, sending a complete healing of soul and body, together with all who are in need of healing. And let us say: Amen.

For those unfamiliar with Hebrew, it is perfectly acceptable to use the English version alone, or to blend the English with a line or two of Hebrew. In all cases, your intention gives the prayer its life.

Common mistakes to avoid when saying prayer for the sick in hebrew

Worrying about perfection: The meaning and sincerity of a prayer for the sick in hebrew matter more than flawless pronunciation.
Sharing too much: Respect privacy—use minimal details unless you have clear consent.
Forgetting the mother’s name: Tradition uses the mother’s name; if unknown, use what you know without stress.
Gender mismatches: Hebrew grammar changes with gender; if unsure, simplify or use English.
Thinking prayer replaces care: A prayer for the sick in hebrew complements medical treatment and practical support; it does not substitute for them.
Excluding yourself: If you are the one who is ill, you may say the prayer for yourself or ask others to include you.

Variations across Jewish traditions

There is no single authorised version of the prayer for the sick in hebrew that all communities use. Instead, there are families of versions that share a core structure, with stylistic differences across traditions.

Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi customs

Many Ashkenazi communities use forms that explicitly name the Patriarchs and Matriarchs, and request a refuah shleimah “among the sick of Israel”. Sephardi and Mizrahi communities may vary wording and melodies, sometimes including additional pleas for mercy (rachamim) or invoking particular attributes of God. All versions keep the essence: a compassionate, personal request for healing.

Contemporary and inclusive versions

In liberal communities, you may find gender-inclusive language and English-Hebrew blends that make the prayer for the sick in hebrew accessible to everyone. Some texts add a line for carers and medical teams, acknowledging their role in the healing journey.

Integrating prayer for the sick in hebrew with practical support

Jewish tradition encourages pairing prayer with action. Alongside saying a prayer for the sick in hebrew, consider these supportive practices.

Visiting the sick (Bikur Cholim)

Ask before visiting. Check the best time and whether the person wants company.
Keep it gentle and brief unless they want more time.
Offer specific help (meals, errands, childcare) rather than vague offers.
Respect energy levels—silence can be a gift. You can still quietly say a prayer for the sick in hebrew in your heart.

Words for a card or message

Short Hebrew phrases fit beautifully into a note:

Refuah shleimah—Wishing you a complete recovery.
Rachamim—Mercy/compassion.
Ko’ach—Strength.

You might write: “Wishing you refuah shleimah. We are thinking of you and saying the prayer for the sick in hebrew with your name.”

Recommended external resources

Each of these pages offers reliable, readable explanations, sample texts, and additional context to help you learn and use prayer for the sick in hebrew with ease.

Frequently asked questions about prayer for the sick in hebrew

Do I need to know Hebrew to say a healing prayer?

No. The intention of a prayer for the sick in hebrew matters most. You can use transliterations or an English translation. Even a simple English sentence—“Please bring healing and strength to [Name]”—is valuable and respectful.

Why use the mother’s name when naming the person?

Traditionally, Jewish communities identify someone in prayer as “X son/daughter of Y,” using the mother’s name to invoke compassion and the nurturing bond of life. If you do not know the mother’s name, use what you have. A prayer for the sick in hebrew remains meaningful with partial or English names.

Can I include non-Jewish friends in the Mi Sheberach?

Yes. Many communities include anyone in need of healing, regardless of background. You can say a prayer for the sick in hebrew for anyone, adapting pronouns and names as needed, or simply using English.

When is the prayer typically said in synagogue?

Often after the Torah reading on Shabbat or during a designated moment for healing prayers. Ask your local synagogue how to submit names. Joining a communal prayer for the sick in hebrew can be especially comforting.

Is it appropriate to share details of someone’s illness?

Only with consent. A prayer for the sick in hebrew does not require medical details. Respect privacy by using minimal information, or by praying silently for “a friend in need of healing”.

What does “refuah shleimah” mean?

It means “a complete healing” and often appears within a prayer for the sick in hebrew. It refers to healing of body (guf) and soul (nefesh), acknowledging the whole person.

Can I create my own wording?

Absolutely. Many people blend the traditional prayer for the sick in hebrew with personal words in English. A heartfelt, honest request for healing and strength is always appropriate.

Conclusion on prayer for the sick in hebrew

In times of illness, words can steady us. The prayer for the sick in hebrew offers a time-tested, compassionate way to express care, hope, and solidarity. Whether you use the brief biblical plea “El na, refa na” or the fuller Mi Sheberach, your intention to lift up the person in need is what matters most.

By learning the basic structure, names, and simple phrases, anyone can say a prayer for the sick in hebrew with confidence. Use it at home, in synagogue, or quietly in your heart during a bedside visit. Combine prayer with practical support and sensitivity, respecting privacy and personal wishes.

Above all, the spirit of a prayer for the sick in hebrew is one of kindness and connection. May all who recite it—and all who are held in its words—find strength, compassion, and healing.

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