Miracles of Medicine

Just because these days cataracts surgery is considered routine doesn't make it any less miraculous. This morning the lens of my right eye was removed and a corrective clear lens was implanted in its place. I am told and assured that in a few weeks when the left eye is surgically corrected I will have nearly perfect vision without glasses or contact lenses. I provided for my surgeon, Dr. McGarey, a copy of the Physician's Prayer attributed to Maimonides.

Contemporary adaptation for use by doctors before

serious surgery

Holy One, Source of all healing, You have chosen me

to watch over the life and health of my patients. I am

now about to perform surgery, entering the sacred

temple of the body. May You guide me to use my skill,

learning, experience, and intuition to achieve the best

possible outcome. Illumine my mind so that I

recognize what presents itself and comprehend what may

be absent or hidden. May I, with the support of my

capable team, stay focused and attentive during the

entire procedure in order to preserve the life and health

of my patient.

Grant that my patient have confidence in me and my art

and follow my directions and my counsel. I pray for a

healing of body and spirit for my patient. I now begin

the holy task entrusted to me. –Amen.

For all those other seemingly routine medical miracles like knee surgery, hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, cancer treatments, and other healing modalities available to us through the knowledge and expertise of physicians we should be extremely grateful. Perhaps you would like to offer this pre-surgery prayer to a doctor you know who would appreciate the guidance and deepened kavannah "intention" provided.

Sending blessings for healing to all my friends and readers.

Rabbi Alicia

Silent Rabbi

New experience.  After returning from a very inspiring college reunion at Sarah Lawrence College, in Bronxville, NY, and visiting our daughter Tali in Brooklyn, I totally lost my voice, due to the changes in temperature and strong air conditioning in the plane and shuttle.  So... what to do?

I planned a Friday night service at our synagogue in Sedona, and gave out parts to sing, chant, read, and lead.  I played the guitar and smiled, but said not one word.  The service went along well, with the congregants smiling at the novelty of their rabbi remaining silent.  When it came to the blessings for the people who had the honor of coming up to the Torah, I so wanted to offer them a true blessing, but absolutely could not utter a sound.... so I mimed bringing down blessings flowing from heaven, pouring into the scroll of the Torah, and then carried them these blessings over to the couple and let the blessing flow over them.  Somehow they understood and accepted my gesture and did feel blessed!  A one-of -a kind service, for sure!  The heart communicates even if the mouth cannot.