Deep appreciation to Rabbi Richard Address of Jewish Sacred Aging, Rabbi Evan Krame of Jewish Doorways and to Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Beth Lieberman for their leadership in developing rituals for this stage of life. We are grateful to the many individuals and organizations named in this booklet who shared their creativity and their writings, including those originally published in New Rituals for New Life Stages, edited by Rabbi Richard Address of Jewish Sacred Aging.

Secular-Friendly Mourners' Kaddish Translation by Rabbi David Cooper

There is an eternal essence that persists in time and space —
and this is our prayer to make it part of our awareness 
by affirming its persistence and pledging ourselves 
to act to advance the promise it holds of a better world; 
may it be soon and in our days. Amen.

Let the great essence be blessed through all our actions!

Whether it be blessed or praised or honored or exalted, 
we affirm that it is far beyond any expression which we use to describe it — 
prayer or song, prose or poem — and we say: Amen

We express our hopes for peace and for life upon us and upon all people. Amen.

May the harmony we experience as we gaze toward heaven 
be reflected in a harmony between all who dwell on the planet: 
Israelite, Ishmaelite, and all creatures upon this holy earth, and we say: Amen.
 

From: Beside Still Waters, available for download and purchase.  

To be read while preparing for immersion:

I stand here today in anticipation of welcoming a child.

As I arrive at this juncture, I carry with me the varied emotions of gratitude, excitement and fear.

I come today in amazement of the miracle of budding life, and in full acknowledgement of the strength and wisdom through which life is formed.

Hineini, here I am, ready to fulfill the obligations of being a loving parent, a devoted presence, and a dedicated guide throughout my child's journey. 

Clip source: Mayyim Hayyim

Translation by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi

Ribono Shel Olam, Ruler of the Universe, I hereby forgive whoever has hurt me, and whoever has done me any wrong; whether it was deliberately or by accident, whether it was done by word or by deed, in this incarnation or in previous ones. 

May no one be punished on my account. 

May it be Your will, O Lord my God, and God of my parents, that I sin no more, that I do not revert to my old ways, that I do not anger You any more by my actions.

May I not do that which is evil in Your sight. 

Wipe away the sins that I have committed, with Your great compassion, but not through sickness or suffering.

May these words of my mouth, and the prayers that are in my heart, be acceptable before You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

May we all be blessed with happiness, holiness, healing, serenity, and peace. 

-by Rabbi Isaac Luria and shared by Our Jewish Recovery