Prayables

Prayables

Blessing the Children

posted by Susan Diamond

Harley’s family is gathered round the dining room table. This is a special occasion and it’s celebrated weekly in the Kramer household:  It’s the eve of the Sabbath.

Harley has three grown sons, Larry, Richard and Bobby. All three boys have families of their own and they’re at the table too. Dinner is ready to be served, but there’s one more thing to do. First Larry walks around to the head of the table where his Dad is sitting. Harley has to stand on his tip-toes to reach the top of his son’s head. He places two hands over his forehead and says a prayer: “Ye’simcha Elohim ke-Ephraim ve hee-Menashe.

They all take their turns and then the next generation gets up to receive the blessing from their own Dads.  Tradition is awe-inspiring.

The ancient blessing dates back to Jacob of the Bible. It means “May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe.” It’s a prayer expressing hope that children become role models for their people in years to come.

Ephraim and Menashe were doers of good deeds, and they led others by their example.  Two thousand years later it’s still the greatest hope for our children; to do good deeds and lead wondrously by example.

- Prayables

READ MORE and enjoy these features from the Daily Prayable!

Daily Story

Daily Scripture

Daily Prayer

Daily Music

Daily Joke

Daily Quote



You Might Also Like...
Previous Posts

Unleashing Our Hearts Through Dogs
The word DOG is GOD spelled backward. My dog Orchid is God-like. She is loving, wise and protective. Orchid is like a flower—feminine and beautiful! She is a 40-pound soft-coated longhaired Wheaton Terrier. Most owners of Wheatons cut their dog’s coat. We decided to keep Orchid au natural as she

posted 6:38:07pm May. 21, 2013 | read full post »

Gramma Good’s Tributes to Mothers
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” ~Author Unknown My core values of honesty, respect for others, truthfulness, being charitable, being a good wife, loyal friend and teacher to my daughters are examples my mother taught me. What a wonderful f

posted 3:51:46pm May. 15, 2013 | read full post »

Finding a Soul Mate
In today’s world, happy endings seem to be few and far, but they do exist! I can tell you about mine. My second husband, Shelly, is my best friend, my partner and my soul mate. He is totally involved in my life. There is nothing that Shelly will not do for me and does not do for me. He laughs w

posted 7:02:13pm May. 09, 2013 | read full post »

Gramma Good's View on Society and Values
I think of myself as a woman of the times, a 21st Century grandmother as my grandson calls me. Some of my values and ethics, however, are of yesteryear. I believe in values and in the laws that societies are built on. Unfortunately, society is getting further away from those fundamentals, and I a

posted 9:31:23am May. 02, 2013 | read full post »

The Power of Creative Words, Time and Space
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Have you ever wondered what time really produces? Have you thought about what your life would be like without time, or what you would do if you had all the time in the world to do it? Time is de

posted 8:47:58pm Apr. 30, 2013 | read full post »

Advertisement
Comments Post the First Comment »
post a comment

Post a Comment

By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.





Report as Inappropriate

You are reporting this content because it violates the Terms of Service.

All reported content is logged for investigation.