A few years ago, I sent a copy of this little book to a dear friend’s daughter when she became a mother.  I liked it so much I ordered a second one possibly to keep, possibly to give again. I tucked it away for safe keeping and as so often happens, I just came across it.

The drawings are a bit more twee than I remember, but the quotes still ring true and beautiful. Editors Natasha Tabori Fried and Lena Tabori include blessings from every land and culture — Ireland, Egypt, China and Native American traditions. There is advice from Dr. Seuss and Antoine de St. Exupery and wisdom from Ecclesiastes, Euripides, and e. e. cummings. Among the blessings from various religions I was pleased to see some of my favorite Jewish blessings, including one known as the Traveler’s Prayer. Covid kind of put that one on ice, but soon… How fun it must have been for the mother-daughter editors to create the book together, organizing their finds into blessings for mealtime, nature, weddings and of course motherhood, to mention a few.

Mother’s Day has come and gone. A Mother’s Book of Blessings is a sweet one to enjoy year-round and to gift to a new mother. Or an old one if you are still so blessed!

T’filat HaDerech, the Traveler’s Prayer (complete text)

May it be Your will, Lord, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Lord, Who hears prayer.