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The month of Iyar – “for I am the Lord, who heals you”

The month of Iyar – “for I am the Lord, who heals you”

Lundin, Rabbi Haggai
May 7, 2024

The month of Iyar in the Jewish calendar is considered special for healing, according to Kabbalistic tradition.
Positioned between Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot, it emphasizes that healing is both a physical and spiritual process.
The significance of this month is highlighted in a prayer for health, traditionally recited during Iyar, which seeks divine protection, strength, and well-being, reflecting the belief in a deep connection between spiritual observance and health.

IYAR – A MONTH OF HEALING

According to the Kabbalists, the month of Iyar is a special month for the healing of sicknesses, and this is hinted by the [acronym of the name Iyar]

“If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26…

Particularly, the month of Iyar which falls precisely between Pesach and Shavuot, teaches us that healing is not a purely physical process but also requires a spiritual transcendence which manifests itself in the transition between the birth of Israel as a nation,” the people of Israel”… (Pesach) and receiving the Torah (Shavuot).

Of all the hardships in our lives, it seems that physical distress can create the illusion that the key for healing lies purely in the earthly, physical domain.

 A SPECIFIC PRAYER

…Enclosed is a prayer which is customary to recite in the month of Iyar, in the name of …Rabbi Yosef Chaim David Azulai…

“Master of the universe, in your mercy give us strength and health and sufficient ability, strength and courage in our limbs and bodies to be watchful. And we will have no hidden maladies and no pain, and we will be joyous, good and healthy to worship you, and we will be saved from any evil, and you will lengthen our days with goodness and our years with pleasantness and fulfill our years with long life. And you will add years of life to worship you. And in the shade of your wings we will hide. And you will save us and all our households from all hard decrees and we will be calmed, fertilized and refreshed for your worship and worthy for your awe”.

 

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