The First Goodbye
Saying goodbye is never easy. When I was about 9 years old, my family and I moved from our house to an apartment on the other side of the city. On moving day, just before we loaded the last of our things on the truck, I stowed away to bid a quick and final farewell to the house.
My last stop was at a rose bush in the backyard. During all the years we lived there, its beauty captivated me. I took in the fragrant scent of every brilliant red rose, each petal, every branch, even the thorns. I tried my hardest to take eidetic mental photographs I could carry for the rest of my days. Then I said a little prayer thanking God for our time there.
Gratitude After Hardship
Decades later, I found myself bidding another dwelling farewell, but the circumstances were vastly different. Years of domestic abuse had left me with challenges to overcome, and I was in the process of rebuilding my life in every possible way. Then, unexpectedly, love found me, and everything changed. It was a testament to the transformative power of love and resilience.
Together, we moved into a tiny apartment in a rough part of town, and though our home was less than ideal, we began to thrive. I became stronger and gained emotional fortitude while exploring new career possibilities, and my husband built a business that was gaining momentum. Life was rapidly changing for the better, and after several years, we were ready to find a house.
On moving day, just as I did when I was a little girl, I said my goodbyes to our home. In a moment of deep gratitude, I thanked God for keeping us safe and providing shelter. I prayed that this little apartment would be a haven for others in need of a place, and that they would be showered with blessings, just as we were. It was a moment of profound gratitude for the warmth and comfort our home had provided.
Jewish Blessings For the Home
We now live in a lovely house in a safe neighborhood, and these days, blessing our home is not just limited to moving day. Since converting to Judaism, we have integrated several blessings into our daily lives. Our front door prominently displays the Birkat Habayit blessing. This prayer blesses our home with peace and protection, ensuring that no harm comes to those who live inside.
Recently, we recited a special prayer for the installation of a Mezuzah outside our door. A unique blessing is recited during this ritual, symbolizing our commitment to our faith and the protection and blessings we invite into our home. What is a Mezuzah? Chabad.org explains:
“Mezuzah (Hebrew: מזוזה) literally means “doorpost,” and it refers to a small parchment scroll upon which the Hebrew words of the Shema are handwritten by a scribe. Mezuzah scrolls are rolled up and affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes.”
The Shehecheyanu is a prayer that celebrates special moments. It is recited on joyous occasions or when we experience something for the first time. I recited the Shehecheyanu when I made Challah bread for the first time, when we brought our new puppy home, and even when we got new furniture. This prayer enables us to express gratitude to God for all the small miracles we encounter in our lives.
There are always new opportunities to bless your home. Whether it’s hanging the Birkat Habayit near the doorway or reciting the Shehechiyanu for a special occasion, these prayers invite God’s presence into your home and create a sacred space for you and your family.
A lot has changed since I said goodbye to my childhood home, but one thing that remains constant is my love for Hashem. May your home be blessed with many beautiful roses and few thorns. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out to me on my socials! Shavua Tov and Shalom, friends.
If you are interested in learning more about my Jewish journey, click the link below.
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