Traveler's Prayer
March 8, 2010
Jewish Living
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by Rabbi Phyllis Sommer
Originally posted on Ima on (and off) the Bima
I am NOT a nervous flier.
While I don't get to do it all that often, I do love to travel. I like the whole thing, from the packing to the waiting in the airport (although not beyond normal wait times, please!) and the people watching and the little cups of coffee on the flight and the feeling that I'm doing something special and fun.
But I also like to have a little personal insurance:
Each time I get onto a plane, as the captain announces that we'll be taxiing to the runway, I pull out my trusty Tefillat haDerech, Traveler's Prayer. I actually carry two of them - the traditional Hebrew text, and a more modern interpretation of the prayer. And I say both, quietly to myself. If I'm traveling with someone else, I usually place my hand on them (today it was my sweet husband) as I say the prayer. Let's be honest here. Do I think that my saying of the prayer has any impact on the safety of the flight? In truth, I think it's doubtful. But it has an impact on me. It sanctifies the journey, even a simple vacation or family trip. It reminds me that each and every step of my life, even if I don't always remember it, has the potential for holiness.
I'm heading to San Francisco for the 121st Annual Convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. I have the honor of participating in the group blog for the convention here. I will also be tweeting, using the hashtag #ccar10. When rabbis get together, we talk a lot of shop, learn together, pray together, and generally try to have a great time!
(Plus I'm taking advantage of in-flight wi-fi to write this post. How cool is that?)
RJ.org Editor's note: Blessing cards like Phyllis' are available from URJ Books & Music.
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