In this season of gift giving it is good to remember that one of the best gifts we can bestow on others does not cost money or come wrapped in gift paper with ribbons. It is the gift of a blessing- a prayer for well being. In Genesis 48:15-16, Jacob-- now called Israel-- blesses Joseph’s two sons with the following words:

"The God in whose ways my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd from my birth to this day — 
¹⁶ The Angel who has redeemed me from all harm — 
Bless the lads.
In them may my name be recalled,
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac,
And may they be teeming multitudes upon the earth."

Gen 48: 15-16

This blessing is so significant that it appears in traditional prayer books as part of the series of prayers called “The Bedtime Shma.” These prayers are said for protection as we release our consciousness into sleep.

This blessing was chosen as the traditional one that parents say to their sons on Friday night as part of the Shabbat table prayers (“May God make you as Ephraim and Menasseh”). Lastly, these words have been made popular as a blessing for children at night and at baby namings. Click this link to hear one of my favorite renditions.

HaMalach HaGoel Oti (The Angel that Redeemed Me)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARAolcFmXQc

Sung by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein with his daughter Talia

Music by Stephen Levey

This blessing reminds us of our God who has taught ways of righteousness since Abraham and Isaac, and has lead us with kindness like a shepherd. Strikingly, this blessing also provides the textual foundation for our belief in a Guardian Angel, a spirit that guides and protects.

It has an additional message. It asks that our teachings live on after us in the next generation, whether or not through our biological progeny or our students. It asks that our blessings be not just for the next generation, but for generations and generations to come.

May the God who blessed our ancestors Abraham and Isaac and Jacob (and Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah) bless us to be ourselves vessels of blessing for the Jewish people, and for all who dwell on earth. Amen.