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I have noticed that during Shabbat morning services, as the rabbi calls out names for a mi shebeirach the sick person is named as a son or daughter of a mother and never son (daughter) of a father.  What is the custom around this? 

Rabbi Scheim responds...

The custom of using the mother’s name when reciting a prayer for the ill derives from the Hebrew word for mercy “Rahamim.” In prayer, we often refer to God as “E-l Maleh Rahamim,” (God Full of Mercy), or "E-l Hanun v'Rahum” (Compassionate and Merciful God). The Hebrew “Rahamim” or “Rahum” derives from the same Hebrew root as “rehem”, meaning womb. Thus, the connection between appeals to God’s mercy, and mothers is established, and the mother of the ill person is referenced, to accentuate the appeal for mercy.

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784