This blessing by Reconstructionist Rabbi Nina H. Mandel was written to be recited as part of a “passing the scroll” ceremony, wherein the Torah scroll is symbolically passed from generation to generation, from the grandparents to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. The blessing was shared on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
Blessing for Passing the Scroll L’dor vador
May the One who blessed our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and our foremothers, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah, bless the generations of this family. Shine Your light upon ____________ daughter/son/child of ______________ (Granddaughter of, Nephew of…naming each person involved in the passing of the scroll) who stands here today, ready to receive this legacy of his/her Jewish heritage, and make it his/her own. May s/he be strengthened by the bond of this holy wisdom being passed l’dor vador, from generation to generation. Hazak, hazak v’nithazek. May his/her family go from strength to strength. And we say, Amen.
(As each person passes the Torah they say to the next person in line: Hazak, hazak v’nithazek.)