A special Shabbat to gather as a community and learn about Tefilah during times of illness as part of Ematai’s Tefilot Project

“א-ל נא רפא נא לה”

“Please God, heal her!”

In the spirit of this short but powerful tefila, Ematai has designated the Shabbat of Parshat Beha’alotcha, which this year falls out on Shabbat June 13-14, as a special focus weekend for our Tefilot Project. We invite everyone to join us in exploring and learning more about tefilah in times of illness. 

Here’s how your community can get involved:

• Explore the Tefilot Project homepage where you can download tefilot to recite in different stages of illness, read articles about prayer and illness, and find meaningful explanations of carefully selected chapters of Tehilim..
• Access conversation starters about tefila and illness for family or group discussions, perfect for the Shabbat table.
• Utilize our source sheets (chomer li-drush) if you’re giving a drasha or leading a learning session. (We will be sending these out after Shavuot – sign up here to get an update)
• Watch a special video message from our Director of Community Outreach, Bassie Taubes, on “From Structure to Spontaneity: The Many Voices of Tefilah.” Feel free to share this video with your Tehilim groups and anyone who may find it helpful.
• You can also join our virtual learning events:
  • June 8 at 10:00 AM ET – In partnership with Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington – “Healing & Hope – The Power and Limits of Tefila in Times of Illness.” Register for the event here.
  • June 10 at 12:00 PM ET – In partnership with OU Spirit – “Can We Pray for Miracles?” Register for the event here.

Stay tuned for featured articles from Rabbi Brody and Bassie Taubes in The Jewish Link and other publications, sharing reflections on prayer and healing in today’s world.