Birkat Banim - Blessing the Children on Shabbat

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Birkat Banim -

Hebrew Blessings for your Children



	Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. - Jesus


	It is customary for the father of the household to bless children of all ages, either in the synagogue during Erev Shabbat (Friday evening) services or upon returning home for the Kiddush. Both hands are laid on the head of the child to symbolize a blessing imparted with complete generosity of spirit.

The blessing prescribed by tradition invokes the names of Joseph's sons (according to Genesis 48:20) and the names of the matriarchs, and includes the priestly blessing. Parents may use this intimate moment as a chance to add their own words of blessing and offer expressions of love and appreciation to their children. You may wish to bless all your children together or bless each child individually or privately.


	The Hebrew Blessing for Boys:


	yesimkha Elohim ke'efrayim ve'khimnasheh.


	The Hebrew Blessing for Girls:


		yesimeikh Elohim ke'Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, ve'leah.

	The Hebrew Blessing for the whole Family:


	yevarekhekha Adonai veyishmerekha, ya'eir Adonai panav eleykha vichuneka, yissa Adonai panav eleykha, v'yeseim lekha shalom.


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