Blessings for Life’s Moments
Shehecheyanu – Celebrating a Festive Occasion
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam,
shehehchehyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu laz’man hazeh.
We praise You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, for giving us life,
for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
Washing Hands
It is customary to remove all jewelry from the hands before washing. Fill a cup of water and pour it over your right hand. (Note: If your dominant hand is your left hand, reverse these instructions.) Next, take the cup in your right hand and pour it over the left hand. This is repeated two or three times. Then say the following blessing before drying your hands. Some do not speak between the hand-washing blessing and the blessing over food. 
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam,
asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al n’tilat yadayim.
Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe:
You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to lift up our hands.
Eating Bread
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam,
hamotzi lechem min haaretz.
Our praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
Lighting a Yahrzeith (Memorial) Candle
Before lighting a yahrzeit candle, take a moment to bring to mind the relative you are remembering. You might choose to read the following prayer:
O God, grant us the strength as we mourn the loss of ________.
We will always have cherished memories of him/her.
Bless our family with light and peace. May ______’s memory continue to serve as a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew and loved him/her.
Zichrono/zichronah livrachah
His/her memory is a blessing.
Mourner’s Kaddish may be recited at this time.
Morning and Bedtime Rituals for Children
May 23, 2012 by urjnetworkadmin • Blessings
From the Union’s publications, Wake-Up Rituals: Crafting Jewish Tradition for Young Childrenand Jewish Bedtime Ritualsproduced by the Department of Lifelong Jewish Learning.
UPON WAKING
Modeh Ani is the traditional prayer to be said by children. Hold your child in a chair or sit on the bed with them, and share a special moment of closeness before the morning rush begins. Recite Modeh Ani together. For young children, sing or recite the blessing in English and in Hebrew. As they get older, encourage them to join you for the English and then later for the Hebrew.
Modeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabah emunatecha.
I give thanks to You, O God, eternal and living ruler, who in mercy has returned my soul to me; great is your faithfulness.
BEFORE EATINGTake time in the morning to remember those who worked so that we would have food. Say a blessing as a family.