Posts by tobendlight

After News of a Clean Biopsy

The results of my third prostate biopsy brought good news yesterday evening, a clean report. This is a quick prayer to be said after receiving the news…

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To a Spouse/Partner on Diagnosis with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease

How painful is it to know that you’ll slowly lose your memories, your personality, your understanding of who you are in this world? And how painful…

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Kick Me, Please!

There was once a little boy who loved to pray. He now writes prayers. Me. I’ve written a book called Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing.…

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Bind and Wrap

Wearing talit and teffilin—Jewish sacred garments—has been described as a metaphor for the love between G-d and Israel. This prayer/poem reflects that metaphor. The first stanza represents Israel’s…

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When a High-Risk Pregnancy is Confirmed (men)

This is a prayer to be said by a man whose partner has a high-risk pregnancy. It is the companion prayer to “When a High-Risk Pregnancy…

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Breisheit: This is the Place

Beauty and holiness are everywhere. Here. Now. This prayer dreams of messianic times, while making the bold assertion that holiness is already here, that holiness is already…

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After the Washington Navy Yard Shootings

This is a prayer of mourning and consolation in memory of the victims of the Washington Navy Shipyard shootings and supporting their families. Unfortunately, there are now…

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Waiting for a Pre-Diagnosis Biopsy and Results

Last week I had my third prostate biopsy. The waiting begins again. I’ve heard the phrase “you’re too young for these numbers” about my PSA in every possible…

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War on Yom Kippur, 40 Years Later

Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, a surprise attack on two major fronts on the holiest day of the Jewish year. Here’s a two-prayer liturgy…

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Remembering 9-11 Survivors

To honor their journey, here’s my prayer “For 9-11 Survivors.” Looking for a photo to go with this prayer was painful. I can’t imagine what the anniversary is…

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