My Conversion Story Journal

June 1, 2025

Today in synagogue, we did services like we always do. However, this Shabbat, the prayer for those that need healing seemed especially beautiful. During the middle of Torah reading, we stop to say a prayer for those that need healing. The Rabbi goes around the men's side first. Every name that is said to him, he repeats loud enough for everyone to hear, even the women on the other side of the partition. Then he goes to the edge of the partition where the women are waiting, and he listens to them and repeats the names they say loud enough for everyone to hear, even the men. Perhaps it is the book that we are reading, or the messages that I have heard over the past week, but it seemed extra beautiful today. The entire thing was an expression of caring, concern, and love for the people in the shul, and the person needing healed.

When he is done with the prayer, the next person begins their aliyah.

I don't know why, but it was really beautiful this Shabbat.