Judaism acknowledges virtually every aspect of the human condition. It helps us to celebrate life’s best moments and gives guidance at times of need. Often, our greatest time of need is when we experience the loss of someone we love.
Our tradition helps us to deal with such loss with grace and dignity, giving us ways to acknowledge our pain as well as a roadmap to re-enter the world. This week, Rabbi Woznica shares some of the uplifting wisdom of our tradition.
A Confessional: A Viddui
If it is perceived that a person is nearing their final days, it is traditional to gently encourage them to make a final confession. According to the Talmud, when suggesting this we add, “Do not fear that evil may result, for many have confessed and became well and did not pass away, and there were many who failed to confess and died. On the contrary, as a reward for confessing, your life will be prolonged and, more so, all who confess have a share in the world to come.” (Talmud Sanhedrin 43b)
If the person is not able to confess verbally, they can make a mental confession. If able to speak but weak, he or she can say, “May my death be an atonement for all my sins.”
If possible, one reads the full confessional (below). If the person is not able to say the words, then consider gathering around them, holding their hands and reciting the words on their behalf. While hoping their health takes a turn for the better, should they pass away, what more beautiful words are there to recite than Sh’ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad.
Rabbi David Woznica
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Vidui: Confessional by the Gravely Ill
My God and God of all who have gone before me,
Author of life and death, I turn to You in trust. Although I pray for life and health, I know that I am mortal. If my life must soon come to and end, let me die, I pray, at peace. If only my hands were clean and my heart pure!
I confess that I have committed sins and left much undone, yet I know also the good that I did or tried to do.
May my acts of goodness give meaning to my life, and may my errors be forgiven. Protector of the bereaved and the helpless, watch over my loved ones.
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
redeem it, O God of mercy and truth.
יְיָ מֶֽלֶךְ, יְיָ מַלַך, יְיָ יִמְלֹך לְעוֹלָם וַעֵד
Adonai melech; Adonai malach; Adonai yimloch l’olam va-ed.
God reigns; God has reigned; God will reign forever and ever.
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד
Baruch shem kavod malchuto l’olam va-ed
Blessed be God’s name whose glorious dominion is forever and ever.
Adonai – hu haElochim.
Adonai is God
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד
Sh’ma Yisrael: Asonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad.
Hear, O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.