The Sceptic Blog

1. I have only just realised something that should have been obvious to me all along (and probably is to others).

2. I have often felt uncomfortable wishing people “refuoh shleimoh” – complete recovery – on behalf of a relative or friend who is clearly terminally ill. Of course I want to express sympathy with anyone who is ill or suffering: but is it apt to say “refuoh shleimoh” to the child of a ninety-nine year old parent who has clearly taken to their bed for the last time?

3. The answer is, yes – as I should have realised all the time – and it has nothing to do with miracle cures. The prayer for the sick includes the passage “refuas hanefesh u’refuas haguf” – a cure for the soul and a cure for the body. And that is the point. Everyone needs both, all the time. If someone is on their way out of this world, I am praying that they should leave with their soul at rest. And it is never too late to pray for that.