This short reading asks for God’s blessing for our children, and calls on the strength of our ancestors to protect and guide them.
One of the sweetest Shabbat traditions is blessing your children on Friday night. Parents place their hands on their children’s heads, or wrap an arm around them, and say a few words wishing them protection, kindness, and peace. It’s a small moment that can mean a lot, especially in a world where family time often involves someone staring at a screen.
The traditional Jewish blessing for children begins by invoking important figures from the Bible: Ephraim and Menasheh for boys, and Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah for girls. It then continues with a blessing for protection and peace. You don’t need to know Hebrew, and you certainly don’t need to get every word perfect. The point is to take a moment to remind your children how much they’re loved.
While this blessing is most closely associated with Shabbat, it’s also a beautiful way to mark family milestones, welcome a new baby, or simply offer a little extra love when someone needs it. And yes, grown children can still receive a blessing. They may roll their eyes, but they’ll probably appreciate it.
If you’re making this part of your Friday night routine, our guide to Shabbat prayers and blessings explains the other traditions that go along with it.
And for an easy way to bring everyone together, download our FREE Shabbat Booklet, filled with blessings, readings, and everything you need to make Shabbat your own.
(FOR SONS) May God make you like Ephraim and Menasheh.
(FOR DAUGHTERS) May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.
(FOR SONS AND DAUGHTERS) May God bless you and protect you.
May God’s presence shine on you and be good to you.
May God reach out to you tenderly and give you peace.