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Wonderings 7 What Brings Comfort

You may have heard that I said that I needed a break, so I took a trip, but on the trip I broke my nose. I had surgery to repair it this past Monday, and am on my way to healing. I didn't realize that they made casts for noses.

I will not lie - before surgery I was scared. I appreciated (and continue to appreciate) prayers and "good vibes" that were sent my way. 

When congregants are in the hospital I usually bring what I call the Healing Hamsa. When I bring it there are two sides: one with Hebrew and one with transliteration. I designed them to be comforting and protecting. You can click on the pictures of each side below to be able to download or print copies. I realize that there are many other things that bring comfort in Jewish tradition.

This week's Wondering is about what brings you comfort at times like this? Are there specifically Jewish things - like specific prayers or Psalms or readings; visits or something else?

     

Click the image on the left for a PDF of the Hamsa with Hebrew and English.

 

 

 

 

Click the image on the left for a PDF of the Hamsa with transliteration and English.

Responses:

Family brings me comfort. Their closeness reminds me that I am not alone. Sitting outside also helps. Shalom Rav is our go-to  comfort song, and I sing it to my kids when they don’t feel well.  I asked my family what brings them comfort and they said: Husband: Reassurance that it’s going to be ok.  Son: Having mommy’s arms. Daughter:  Smarties

Rabbi Jana brings me comfort. Being at B'nai Zion brings me comfort. The prayers bring me comfort. People who love me bring me comfort. Pray a lot G-D brings comfort. [T]

Providing food when folks are recuperating. [S]

I have had a healthy life....thus far. When faced with 'adversity', a broken leg, etc. what brings me comfort is rather pathetic, it's what we all do. I 'make a deal' !!! It might be to be a better person. It might be a gift to an organization, usually Jewish. There's usually a 'message' how to proceed. All I have to do is search for the message. [J]

 I love my copy of the healing hamsa and have it up on my wall where I can get to it, see it, and am reminded of divine protection and healing. Reciting tehillim brings me comfort. I love chapter 20, but there are so many depending on circumstances that bring comfort. A phone call is especially special to me but I know that can be time consuming and draining for the person making the calls. I love reminders of prayer treks and recitations that can be made until my brain automatically goes there. I’m getting there. [K]

Whether I am frightened, frustrated, puzzled or sick, my greatest source of comfort is friends and family.  A sympathetic ear, the voice of reason when I'm derailed, another point if view, someone to check up on me gives great comfort to a widow living alone. As I write this I realize that it takes many people to provide that comforting force in my life now. Where once upon a time, it only took 1 person... my husband (עליו השלום). [M]

 
Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784