Don’t laugh. OK—maybe just a little because laughter can be healing of mind and body. Traditionally every time a Jew goes to the bathroom, there is a blessing to say. This blessing was written by the rabbis in the Talmud about 2000 years ago. It says that we are thankful that the body is designed as a finely balanced network. This prayer for health is also included in the morning service.

Almost exactly two years ago I was in a severe car accident that required me to be catheterized. I became very aware of this prayer and the body’s remarkable ability to heal. As I watched my mother in her final decline, I was again aware that as the physicians tweaked some treatment to solve one crisis they could induce another. Truly the body is a finely balanced network. I am again aware of it as my daughter recovers from mono and pneumonia. And I am thankful that we have physicians and nurses who are skilled enough who can treat this finely balanced network.

At Mayyim Hayyim, the community mikveh where I am a mikveh guide and educator, this prayer is included in their 7 steps of preparation. “Here am I, created in the Divine image, healing, my breath, my soul is created pure.” I especially like how Peri Smilow combined them into a song written for Mayyim Hayyim:

1.
Hineini b’tzelem Elohim
N’kavim, n’kavim
nishmati t’hora hi

2.
Baruch Atah Adonai
Wondrous source of healing
Baruch Atah Adonai
We thank you and praise your name

3.
Oh God this body is all that I have
May I be blessed to sing Your song