Prayer for the sick chabad: complete, essential guide in 5 steps

prayer for the sick chabad

The phrase prayer for the sick chabad refers to the Chabad-Lubavitch approach to Jewish prayers for healing, centred on the time-honoured Mi Sheberach for the ill, the recitation of Psalms (Tehillim), giving charity (tzedakah), and rallying communal support. Whether you are caring for a loved one, looking to add meaningful words to your daily routine, or simply curious about Jewish healing customs, this guide explains what the prayer involves, how to say it, and why it is cherished in the Chabad tradition.

At its heart, prayer for the sick chabad is about combining heartfelt words with acts of goodness. Chabad teachings encourage praying with sincerity, mentioning the person’s Hebrew name together with their mother’s name, and pairing spiritual effort with practical help. In the sections below, you’ll learn the essential text and structure, when and where to say the prayer, which Psalms are commonly included, and some helpful etiquette and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding prayer for the sick chabad

In Jewish life, praying for someone who is unwell is a deeply rooted tradition. Chabad-Lubavitch follows the Nusach Ari (Chabad rite) and widely uses the Mi Sheberach for the sick, often alongside selected Psalms. The phrase prayer for the sick chabad is not a single fixed text but a combination of practices that bring comfort and hope to the person in need—called the choleh (ill person)—and to their family and friends.

The most recognisable element is the Mi Sheberach, a communal blessing typically recited in synagogue when the Torah is read (on weekdays, Shabbat, and festivals), but it can also be said privately at home or at a hospital bedside. It asks the “One who blessed our forefathers and foremothers” to send a refuah sheleimah—a complete recovery—both physically and spiritually. In Chabad settings, this prayer is complemented by giving tzedakah on behalf of the person who is ill and by adding good deeds in their merit. The Lubavitcher Rebbe frequently emphasised strengthening mitzvot—such as lighting Shabbat candles, putting on tefillin, or increasing in Torah learning—as a way to bring additional blessing.

Core elements of the Mi Sheberach

• An invocation of the One who blesses (Mi Sheberach) the ancestors of the Jewish people.
• Stating the name of the person who is unwell, using their Hebrew name together with their mother’s Hebrew name (for example: “Rivkah bat Sarah”).
• A request for complete healing: refuah sheleimah, often described as refu’at hanefesh (healing of the soul) and refu’at haguf (healing of the body).
• A hope that recovery comes swiftly, with compassion, among all those in need of healing.

When and where is it said?

Prayer for the sick chabad is commonly included during Torah-reading services (Monday, Thursday, Shabbat, and festivals). In many communities, names are read from a list; others invite individuals to approach the bimah (reading platform) to share names. Equally, the prayer can be said at home, in a hospital room, or quietly by a visitor. Chabad communities often maintain Tehillim (Psalms) groups, where people commit to reciting chapters daily for those in need of healing.

How to say prayer for the sick chabad: a step-by-step guide

Because prayer for the sick chabad encompasses intention, words, and action, the following steps can help you say it with clarity and confidence—whether you are in synagogue or on your own.

1. Set your intention (kavanah): Take a quiet moment to focus on the person who is unwell. Visualise speaking to the Almighty with compassion and hope.
2. Gather the correct name: Use the person’s Hebrew name and their mother’s Hebrew name (e.g., “Moshe ben Leah”). If you do not know Hebrew names, you can use their given names while you seek clarification later.
3. Choose your setting: If you are in synagogue and there is a custom to announce names after the Torah reading, follow the gabbai’s (synagogue officer’s) guidance. At home or by a bedside, you can say the prayer quietly in your own words or from a siddur (prayer book).
4. Include Psalms (Tehillim): Chabad tradition strongly encourages reciting Psalms for healing. Common choices include Psalms 20, 121, 130, and 142 (more on this below). You can say them in Hebrew or in a reliable English translation.
5. Recite the Mi Sheberach: A typical English rendering is: “May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless and heal [Name, child of Mother’s Name]. May the Holy One, blessed be He, grant them a complete and speedy recovery—healing of the soul and healing of the body—together with all who are ill, among the people of Israel and all humankind. Amen.”
6. Give tzedakah: Add a coin to a charity box in the merit of the person who is ill. Chabad practice treats tzedakah as a practical expression of prayer, bringing additional blessing.
7. Stay consistent: If the person’s illness is ongoing, repeat the prayer regularly. Many choose a fixed time each day to recite Psalms and the Mi Sheberach.

If you are new to Hebrew prayer or do not have a siddur to hand, you can rely on a clear English text. For practical guidance and the standard text, see the Chabad.org overview at Chabad.org’s guide to praying for the sick. This resource explains who to name, how to phrase the prayer, and where it fits in the service.

Names, customs, and etiquette in prayer for the sick chabad

Using names correctly is a key part of prayer for the sick chabad. Here are the conventions typically followed in Chabad communities:

• Mother’s name: The person is identified by their own Hebrew name and their mother’s Hebrew name (e.g., “Chana bat Devorah”). This practice is rooted in Jewish sources and is widely followed across communities.
• If no Hebrew name is known: Use the person’s common name for now and make a note to find the Hebrew names later. It is better to pray with the information you have than to delay.
• Privacy and sensitivity: Only share as much medical detail as is necessary to make the prayer meaningful. Respect confidentiality and avoid gossip.
• On Shabbat and festivals: When praying for the ill on Shabbat, many add the phrase “Shabbat hi miliz’ok”—“Shabbat itself is a source of healing”—or use the Shabbat-appropriate wording of the Mi Sheberach. In Chabad synagogues, it is common to recite healing prayers even on Shabbat, while using the traditional phrasing that respects the sanctity of the day.
• For non-Jews: Chabad custom encourages praying for all who are ill. You can say the person’s name and ask for Divine compassion and healing for them as well.

The role of Psalms (Tehillim) within prayer for the sick chabad

Psalms are central to prayer for the sick chabad, providing a timeless language of comfort and supplication. Chabad communities often organise Tehillim groups to cover the entire book for those who are unwell. If you prefer to start with a few chapters, these are common choices:

• Psalm 20 (Lamenatzeach): A plea for Divine assistance in times of distress.
• Psalm 121 (Esa Einai): Expresses trust that help comes from the Creator, “the Guardian of Israel.”
• Psalm 130 (Mima’amakim): A cry from the depths, asking for mercy and redemption.
• Psalm 142: Spoken from a place of confinement, seeking deliverance and support.
• Psalm 27 (seasonal, Elul to Sukkot in many communities): Themes of courage and trust; some recite it more broadly, especially during challenging times.

For texts and translations of these Psalms, see the detailed chapter index at Chabad.org’s Book of Psalms. If you wish to understand the broader historical and liturgical context of the Mi Sheberach itself, the overview at Wikipedia’s article on Mi Sheberach provides helpful background that complements Chabad-specific guidance.

Why tzedakah and good deeds matter

In Chabad thought, prayer is most potent when joined with action. Giving tzedakah in the merit of someone who is ill is a longstanding Jewish practice. You can donate to any worthy cause, ideally something that resonates with the person’s values or needs. Similarly, adding mitzvot—putting on tefillin, increasing Shabbat observance, or learning Torah—are all seen as spiritual catalysts for blessing. This blend of prayer for the sick chabad with tangible kindness helps the person who is ill and often uplifts the wider circle of family and friends.

Common mistakes to avoid in prayer for the sick chabad

Because this is a very personal and emotional area, it’s easy to stumble. Here are frequent missteps and how to sidestep them:

• Using the wrong name format: Remember to use the person’s Hebrew name with their mother’s Hebrew name. If uncertain, ask a family member or the synagogue rabbi for help.
• Oversharing medical details: Share only what’s necessary; protect the person’s dignity and privacy.
• Forgetting to give tzedakah: Pair your words with an act of charity, even a small coin, to align intention and action.
• Assuming Hebrew is required: Hebrew is ideal, but heartfelt English is absolutely valid. Focus on sincerity and clarity.
• Separating prayer from practical help: Prayer for the sick chabad sits alongside responsible medical care, not in place of it. Always encourage appropriate treatment and support the family’s practical needs.
• Infrequency: Healing can take time. Consider setting a daily or weekly schedule for your prayers and Psalms.

Praying in the digital age

Many Chabad centres collect names for communal prayer, both in person and online. If distance or circumstances make synagogue attendance difficult, you can still take part. Submit a name to your local Chabad centre, ask friends to include the person in their Tehillim group, and coordinate shared times to say Psalms. Chabad.org has numerous resources on healing prayers, including the Mi Sheberach wording and guides on which Psalms to say; an accessible starting point is this Chabad.org guide on praying for the sick. As always, be careful with personal information online and only share details with trusted sources.

Examples of how to use prayer for the sick chabad

• At home, daily: Place a charity box in a visible spot. Each morning, add a coin, say Psalm 121, mention the person’s name with their mother’s name, and ask for a refuah sheleimah.
• In synagogue: Ask the gabbai about the local custom for adding names during the Torah service. Provide the names clearly on a note if needed.
• By a hospital bedside: In a calm voice, read a Psalm and a short English Mi Sheberach. End with “Amen” and a few encouraging words.
• As a group effort: Divide the Book of Psalms among friends so the entire Tehillim is recited each day or week in the person’s merit.

Key questions to consider when preparing a name

• Do we know the Hebrew names? If not, use current names and clarify later.
• Is there a preferred spelling? Spelling varies; focus on pronunciation. If you have time, confirm with a rabbi or family member.
• Are there multiple names? Use the full Hebrew name as customarily used by the family.
• What if the mother’s name is unknown? Use the information you have and seek guidance later; the prayer is still meaningful.

Balancing faith and responsibility

Judaism treasures both prayer and prudent action. In the spirit of prayer for the sick chabad, support medical consultations, follow professional advice, and tend to the person’s environment and morale. Prayer does not replace medicine; it provides spiritual strength, comfort, and community. For broader, non-sectarian context on pastoral and spiritual care in healthcare, you might consult your local NHS guidance or hospital chaplaincy pages, and for Jewish practice specifically, resources such as My Jewish Learning’s overview of the Mi Sheberach are clear and approachable.

Building a caring environment around the person who is ill

Prayer for the sick chabad often becomes a catalyst for kindness. Small gestures—organising meals, sending messages, or offering to accompany medical appointments—carry immense weight. Families frequently share that a steady rhythm of Psalms and the Mi Sheberach, plus visible community support, can lift spirits and reduce anxiety. Make it easy for friends to join in by setting a weekly reminder, sharing the person’s Hebrew name and mother’s name, and providing links to reliable prayer texts such as this Chabad.org healing prayer guide.

If you are exploring blessings more broadly to encourage loved ones through the week, you may appreciate practical ideas in this short piece on Thursday blessings and spiritual inspiration, which can complement the gentle tone you bring to healing prayers.

Frequently included verses and themes

While the Mi Sheberach is central to prayer for the sick chabad, people often add short, uplifting verses:

• “Healer of the broken-hearted” (Psalm 147:3) — emphasising compassion and comfort.
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5) — encouraging faith when the path ahead is uncertain.
• “May He send you help from the Sanctuary” (Psalm 20:3) — asking for support from a place of holiness.

These concise lines can be woven into your daily routine, particularly when time is short or emotions run high. They complement the Mi Sheberach and keep prayer for the sick chabad accessible and consistent.

Practical tips for leading or participating in synagogue

• Arrive a bit early: If you intend to add names after the Torah reading, brief the gabbai so the process is smooth and respectful.
• Write names clearly: Especially if Hebrew names are unfamiliar to the reader, note phonetic pronunciation.
• Keep it concise: The Mi Sheberach has a set structure; resist the urge to add lengthy personal comments during the service. Save additional words for private prayer.
• Encourage participation: Invite friends to say “Amen” and to add Psalms at home during the week.

Outside of synagogue life, many people like to mark milestones with blessings that uplift and connect. If you are gathering prayers for a special day, you may find inspiration in this concise guide to meaningful birthday blessings, which can sit alongside healing prayers when appropriate.

Recommended external resources

• Chabad.org: Practical guide to praying for the sick — step-by-step advice, including the Mi Sheberach text.
• Chabad.org: The Book of Psalms — full Hebrew and English texts of Tehillim for daily use.
• Wikipedia: Mi Sheberach — background on the prayer’s origins, variations, and usage.
• My Jewish Learning: Mi Sheberach (Prayer for the Sick) — clear overview for beginners.

Frequently asked questions about prayer for the sick chabad

Can I say the prayer in English, or must it be in Hebrew?

While Hebrew is traditional, clear and sincere English is absolutely acceptable. Many Chabad resources provide reliable English renderings. Focus on intention and use the person’s name with their mother’s name as best you can.

What if I don’t know the person’s Hebrew name or their mother’s name?

Use the information you have now and make a plan to find the Hebrew names later. The prayer still counts. If needed, speak to a rabbi or a family member who might know the names or customary spellings.

Is it appropriate to recite Mi Sheberach on Shabbat?

Yes, in many communities it is included on Shabbat with Shabbat-appropriate wording (often noting that “Shabbat itself is a source of healing”). Chabad synagogues commonly include prayers for the ill on Shabbat while maintaining the sanctity of the day through the traditional phrasing.

Can I pray for someone who isn’t Jewish?

Yes. Chabad encourages praying for all who are unwell. You can say the person’s name, ask for a complete and speedy recovery, and include them among “all who are ill.”

How often should I repeat prayer for the sick chabad?

Consistency helps. Many people choose a daily time to say Psalms and the Mi Sheberach, and also add names in synagogue during Torah readings. If the situation changes, update the prayer to reflect thanksgiving or ongoing requests.

Does the prayer replace medical treatment?

No. Prayer for the sick chabad accompanies responsible medical care. It offers spiritual support and can inspire acts of kindness and courage, but it is not a substitute for professional treatment.

Should I give tzedakah every time I pray?

It’s ideal to give something, even small, when you pray for healing. If that’s