Mental Health Mi Sheberach Prayers

We believe Jewish prayers and rituals can help to strengthen our mental well-being, resilience, and recovery in the same way middot, or Jewish values, can promote them. Faith is an important part of healing for many, and Jewish thinkers and leaders historically have brought the two together.

When someone is ill or recovering from illness or an accident, we often recite a mi sheberach to wish them a refuah sheleimah, or a “full recovery.” We have expanded this prayer for those who are struggling with mental health in different variations of mi sheberach prayers.

In creating our own versions of a traditional Jewish prayer for healing, we can engage with Jewish text in a way that is personal, meaningful, and impactful in our lives. We encourage you to explore what a mi sheberach might look like for you, your loved ones, and your community.  If you offer your own version of a mi sheberach prayer or another prayer for healing, and are open to sharing it as a communal resource, please email a copy to info@thebluedovefoundation.org.

Mental Health Mi Sheberach 

May the One who blessed our ancestors —
Who named us Israel (Yisrael), those who “Struggle,”
Bless and heal those among us who struggle with mental well-being.

May they acknowledge their own strength and resilience in persevering, 
May they treat themselves with forgiveness and patience,
May they find others who share their experiences, so they know they are not alone,
May they find help, compassion and resources when they are able to reach out for them,
May they find others willing to reach out first when they cannot, 
And may they find inclusive and welcoming communities that will uplift and celebrate them.

May the Holy One grant us the strength and resilience to support our loved ones,
May we find the patience and forgiveness we need for ourselves and others,
May we find solidarity and support from other caregivers,
May we find the capacity to listen without judgement and with the intention to help when asked,
May we find the ability to notice when others are struggling and reach out to them first,
And may we create communities that accept, uplift, and celebrate those among us who are struggling.

Mi Sheberach for Those in Recovery

God, there are those among us who struggle with addiction. We offer this special prayer for
those in recovery:

     Mi Sheberach, to the one who blesses: May God bless you with the courage to conquer
     your cravings, the strength to stay far from temptations and from people who can lead
     you astray.

     Mi Sheberach, to the one who blesses: May God hear the cry of your soul and bless you
     with the knowledge that you have the power to remake your life, to repair what has been
     destroyed, to recover what has been lost, to receive all the blessings that have been ignored.

     Mi Sheberach, to the one who blesses: When you fall into despair, may God bless you
     with hope. If you stray from the path of recovery, may God show you how to begin again.
     May God renew your faith in yourself. May God open your eyes to all the miracles that surround you.

Bless all those who are living in recovery. God, lead them on the path back to life, back to love, and back to You. Amen.


Booklet Section: Prayers for Healing & Peace, Prayers 
Source: https://thebluedovefoundation.org/mental-health-mi-sheberach-prayers/