Illness and surgery can be frightening and painful. At the same time, medical care provides hope and healing. The prayers and thoughts in this booklet have been prepared to help you face this challenging time in your life with the Eternal One’s presence at your side.

Serious illness is one of the most traumatic experiences in life. We often try to deny its seriousness or else drift into despair and lose hope. Judaism asks us to recognize the gravity of the moment while keeping alive our hope for recovery, wholeness, and peace.