Giving children a special blessing each Sabbath is a beautiful way to strengthen the bond between parents and their children.
Blessing children on Sabbath after the candles are lit and before the meal is eaten is an age old custom in Jewish homes. (Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Each family has its own special way of giving the blessing. In some homes the father gets up from his place and goes to the child's place.In some families each child takes his or her turn coming to the father.
In some homes both the father and mother give the blessing. Grandparents often give a blessing to their grandchildren if the parents are not present or do not have the custom to do do.
When giving the blessing it is done by placing the right hand on the child's head and the left hand around his/her shoulder. This manner of giving the blessing is distinct and different from the manner Jewish parents give their children a blessing. They place both hands on the child's head. (Note: you will develop your own individual custom which feels pleasant and joyful to both the children and the adults with practice and time.)
After giving the blessing you might want to whisper something special and personal to each child. (Examples: if he/she did well on a test, cooperated with siblings, has problem, etc. )
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Sabbath Prayer For Children
May G-d bless you, (insert child's name), to walk with Him among the righteous of the nations.
May He bless you with a good, sweet, and long life.
May He bless you with happiness and peace, both now and forever.
(For boys: May He send you a wife who will love and care for you, and may He help you to be a good husband and father.)
(For girls: May He send you a husband who will love and care for you, and may He help you to be a good wife and mother.)
May G-d hear my Sabbbath prayer today.
