Judaism gives us countless opportunities to connect with the Divine and our tradition every day, with timeless blessings from the Torah and other Jewish texts.
In this guide we’ll explore the most meaningful blessings that come from the Hebrew Bible and how they’re still incorporated into Jewish rituals and everyday life today!
These poignant Hebrew blessings from Scriptures are often used to adorn Jewish jewelry and home decor, and have been a beloved part of Jewish life and practice for centuries. Find your new favorite and incorporate it into your own life, and don’t forget to shop our full selection of Jewish blessings and verses jewelry and home art here.
Hebrew: Yivarechecha Ado-nai viyishmirecha, Ya'er Ado-nai panav elecha veechuneka, Yeesa Ado-nai panav elecha viyasem lecha shalom
English: May G-d bless you and keep you; May G-d cause His countenance to shine to you and favor you; May G-d raise His countenance towards you and grant you peace.
Origin: Numbers 6:24-26
Each day in Israel and during the High Holidays everywhere else in the world, Kohanim (descendants of the Temple Priests) perform the Priestly Blessing (or Birkat Kohanim) taken from the Book of Numbers, which is believed to provide protection over the entire community. The blessing can only be performed out of love toward one another, and is considered to be Judaism's oldest prayer!
Meanwhile, jewelry inscribed with the Priestly Blessing is believed to provide Divine protection over its wearer, and has a long history of being used by Jews as a protective amulet.
Read more about the Priestly Blessing and its usage here, and shop Priestly Blessing jewelry for your own special Biblical connection!
Hebrew: Eshet chayil mi yimtza, verahok mipninim michra
English: Who can find a woman of valor? Her value is far beyond pearls.
Origin: Proverbs 31:10
The above is the first line of the "Woman of Valor" hymn, traditionally sung on Friday nights to honor the strong Jewish women in our lives. Originally written by King Solomon and found in the Book of Proverbs, the lyrics praise women who are strong, kind, wise, generous, and keep their families running.
The phrase "Eshet Chayil" or Woman of Valor has also come to be synonymous with a righteous and admirable Jewish woman, and especially wives and mothers. This verse is a beautiful way of honoring the special woman in your life, particularly through jewelry, art, and other beautiful gifts.
Explore beautiful Woman of Valor jewelry for the special woman in your life, and see our top favorites here!
Hebrew: Ani LeDodi v'Dodi Li
English: I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine
Origin: Song of Songs 6:3
This Jewish love quote, taken from the romantic Biblical book Song of Songs, is often incorporated into Jewish weddings, through the Ketubah wedding contract or even on the wedding ring itself!
Ani LeDodi shows a balance of love and support and how each person in the relationship should be giving as much as they are getting from the other.
Discover romantic Ani LeDodi jewelry for your loved one from Israel's best artists!
Hebrew: Malachav Yetzaveh Lach, Lishmarcha Bakhol Drakhecha
English: His Angels Shall Watch Over You, To Guard You on All Your Ways.
Origin: Psalm 91:11
A few different versions of the Traveler's Prayer exist, but the most commonly used is the above line from Psalm 91, also sometimes called the Traveler's Psalm, evoking Divine protection over one's journeys.
The prayer is generally said when leaving the city limits or about halfway through one's journey, whether driving in a car for more than an hour, or flying halfway across the world. Reciting this prayer is believed to keep one safe, and it's also common to carry its words on a piece of jewelry or another item as a protective amulet.
Other versions of the Traveler's Prayer that one may recite or carry with them on their journeys include:
Shop magnificent jewelry pieces and keychains inscribed with the Traveler's Prayer for safe travels wherever you go!
Hebrew: Shema Yisrael Ado-nai Elolkeinu Adonai Echad
English: Hear, O Israel: the LORD is our God, the LORD is One
Origin: Deuteronomy 6:4
Technically not a blessing but a declaration of faith, with words believed to have mystical protective properties, Shema Yisrael or "the Shema" represents the bond between the Jewish people and G-d. It's our basic declaration of faith, quoting a passage from the Book of Deuteronomy.
This prayer is one of the first ones taught to children to say before they go to sleep and is traditionally the last prayer said by one who is going to pass away. It is also traditionally recited every day in the morning and evening.
Read more about the history of Shema Yisrael as a protective amulet here, and check out stunning Shema Yisrael jewelry so you can wear your faith close to your heart!
Hebrew: Im eshkachech Yerushalayim tishkach yemini
English: If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its use
Origin: Psalm 137: 5-6
Im Eshkachech, also known as the "Jerusalem blessing," is the most famous of all the Jerusalem prayers. It's a mantra for always remembering the Holy City, during both happy times and sad, and is traditionally sung at weddings as the groom breaks the glass under the chuppah and during times of mourning for Jerusalem.
Explore meaningful and stylish Jerusalem blessing jewelry and home decor straight from the Land of Israel!
If you love these blessings and are looking for ways to incorporate them into your own life, check out our guide to Biblical blessings and verses jewelry and our top 10 list of the most special pieces from top Israeli designers.
Owned by JWG Ltd, maintains its offices and warehouse in Jerusalem, Israel. © 1999-2022 JWG Judaica and Dead Sea Cosmetics