Did you know that Menorah Life has a growing Reiki Program?  Reiki is a healing energy practice that enables the practitioner to transmit Reiki energy (“Universal Life Force energy”) through one’s hands to oneself or another recipient.  As a gentle therapy, Reiki provides an overall sense of calmness by promoting relaxation, comfort, and well-being, and can be helpful in lessening symptoms of pain and discomfort. Reiki is a spiritual practice that can work harmoniously with any religious tradition.  Reiki ties in beautifully with the Jewish teachings connected to Kabbalah.

Menorah Life has partnered with Empath Health in developing our Reiki program.  Through Empath, I’ve received the training to become a Reiki Master Teacher, which has made it possible for me to teach Reiki to residents, families, staff, and volunteers.  We have also received access to Empath’s Reiki training manuals, which I can share with students in our Menorah community.

Reiki has been improving the life and well-being of Menorah’s residents and family members.  I have taught residents how to practice self-Reiki as a supplemental therapy to help manage a variety of symptoms including chronic pain, nausea/stomach aches, headaches, anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue, shortness of breath, and airway constriction.  Reiki has also been helpful for residents looking for relaxation or help with falling asleep.  We have made Reiki available to residents here for short-term rehab who want to learn Reiki to help with their recovery.

Residents find it empowering to have a hand in their own health and healing.  I have taught family members how to provide Reiki for their loved ones, which has enhanced their caregiving role and helped in their own self-care.  Reiki can also be a comforting intervention for residents and their families when a resident is dying.

Recently, I started teaching some Menorah volunteers how to become Reiki practitioners, so they can provide Reiki treatments for our residents.  The next step is to develop a Reiki training program for our staff.

May God who blessed our ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah – bring blessing and healing to all those in need of healing.  May the Holy One mercifully restore them to health and vigor, sending a r’fuah shleimah – a complete healing that grants them spiritual and physical well-being, together with all others who are ill.  And let us say: Amen.

Rabbi Aaron M. Lever, BCC
Director of Spiritual Care