As we continue to enjoy more normalcy after a challenging and unconventional year, the blessings of our life unfold renewed before us. This week, I will share some of the brachot (blessing) formulas that come from our tradition for special and eye-opening moments.
Now that the world is slowly and, God willing, safely returning to a new normal, many of us are planning long-awaited trips to visit family and friends, to enjoy the calm and beauty of a beach, or to see a new city we have long-yearned to explore. Travel is an opportunity for us to open up our lives to new experiences and to create sacred memories that sustain us through difficult times. Even a short or nearby trip can help us change our perspective, reset, or feel a deeper sense of appreciation for what we have at home.
When I was nineteen, I took my first trip to Israel, which changed my life in so many ways. While preparing for that trip through Birthright and my UC Davis Hillel, I was given a small Traveler’s Prayer (Tefillat HaDerech) that I still carry in my wallet to this day. Every time Adam and I get on an airplane, we hold hands and recite the special prayer for travel. I have missed this ritual, a moment that not only helps me set an intention for a safe journey, but a special time set aside to fall into the rhythm of the comforting Hebrew words, to connect with my husband, and to express my deep gratitude for the great opportunity to wander God’s earth.
For those of you who are planning to travel near or far in these summer months or anytime in the future, I hope that this blessing will open your trip in thankfulness, safety, and presence. Nisiah tovah, safe and happy travels!
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ וֵא-לֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁתּוֹלִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם וְתַצְעִידֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם. וְתִסְמְכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם. וְתַדְרִיכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם. וְתַגִּיעֵנוּ לִמְחוֹז חֶפְצֵנוּ לְחַיִּים וּלְשִֹמְחָה וּלְשָׁלוֹם וְתַצִּילֵנוּ מִכַּף כָּל אוֹיֵב וְאוֹרֵב וְלִסְטִים וְחַיּוֹת רָעוֹת בַּדֶּרֶךְ וּמִכָּל מִינֵי פֻּרְעָנִיּוֹת הַמִּתְרַגְּשׁוֹת לָבוֹא לָעוֹלָם וְתִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵֹה יָדֵינוּ, וְתִתְּנֵנוּ לְחֵן וּלְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים בְעֵינֶיךָ וּבְעֵינֵי כָל רוֹאֵינוּ וְתִשְׁמַע קוֹל תַּחֲנוּנֵינוּ. כִּי אֵ-ל שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה וְתַחֲנוּן אָתָּה: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’, שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה.
Y’hi ratzon milfanekha A-donai E-loheinu ve-lohei avoteinu she-tolikhenu l’shalom v’tatz’idenu l’shalom v’tadrikhenu l’shalom, v’tagi’enu limhoz heftzenu l’hayim ul-simha ul-shalom. V’tatzilenu mi-kaf kol oyev v’orev v’listim v’hayot ra’ot ba-derekh, u-mi-kol minei pur’aniyot ha-mitrag’shot la-vo la-olam. V’tishlah b’rakha b’khol ma’a’se yadeinu v’tit’nenu l’hen ul-hesed ul-rahamim b’einekha uv-einei khol ro’einu. V’tishma kol tahanuneinu ki E-l sho’me’a t’fila v’tahanun ata. Barukh ata A-donai sho’me’a t’fila.
May it be Your will, our God and God of our ancestors, that You lead us in peace and help us reach our destination safely, joyfully and peacefully. May You protect us on our leaving and on our return, and rescue us from any harm, and may You bless the work of our hands, and may our deeds merit honor for You. May you hear our requests and our prayers. Praise to You, Adonai, who listens to prayer.
— Cantor Emma Lutz