Ask the Clergy

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.