Women's League

Birkat Hagomel: A Blessing for coming thru Trauma – and Prevailing 

The Jewish blessing knows as Birkat Hagomel is recited by people who have survived a traumatic, potentially life threatening episode. This prayer expresses gratitude for the miracle of healing and full restoration to life. It’s a powerful moment when a person publicly thanks God for being delivered safely from danger, and the congregation affirms that thanks.

There are four types of people that gives thanks; those who go down to the sea, those who travel through the dessert, one who was ill and recovered and one who was incarcerated in prison and then was released. 

In our time, the spirit of tis prayer has expanded to all sorts of other life and death situations, such as surviving a car accident, recovering from major surgery or enduring childbirth. The medieval sages known as the Tosafot were careful not to make this blessing too common; they explain that it is not design for people merely with headaches or stomachaches who are not confined to bed. 

By reciting the blessing in front of the entire community, the survivor hears neighbors and friends affirm that their delivery is nothing but a blessing. In some ways too, Birkat Hagomel  as an expression of the extraordinary power of public prayer, and grateful recognition that sometimes prayers do indeed succeed. It is a culmination of the Mishaberah prayer for healing which might be recited for weeks or months or even longer while a person battles serious illness. When that person finally recovers, it feels appropriate to mark the moment with public prayer.

Birkat Hagomel is just that opportunity to express gratitude for the miracle of healing and the full restoration to family and friends- and indeed, to life itself, in addition to the prayer one gives Tzedakah (charity).

Dear Cuban Hebrew Community,

It is always good to make new friends, and for acquaintances to become friends too. For various reasons we find ourselves single later in our lives. Good friends can fill a void we may feel from time to time. There are new people coming into our community all the time. We are a warm and welcoming Temple. But it is not easy to make friends. We are looking to restart a social group for single seniors members. To be real chevra, a group of friends who value each other’s company, we need to find activities we want to share, and good times to meet. 

So here is an informal survey, please respond. (contact@cubanhebrew.com) We can have a relaxed meet –up at the temple for those who are interested to begin.

- Do you prefer to meet during the day, evening or either is good?

- Meet for coffee, lunch, dinner – any preference?

- Outings –movies, theater trips, museum trips – club with live music?

- Classes – art, music, dance, yoga?