The standard text of the Mi She-Berach prayer for the sick asks that G-d send healing "to his 248 limbs and 365 sinews."

What if someone, G-d forbid, lost a foot a few years ago; and now prayers are being recited for him (for some other condition)? He doesn't have all 248 limbs. (Unless you tell me it's intended according to R. Hayyim Vital's writings that we have 248 spiritual limbs in our soul too ...)

And for that matter, what about someone with polydactyly (extra fingers and/or toes, assuming they're in good working order)?

link|improve this question

49% accept rate
feedback

1 Answer

By a lady - who has 252 limbs (Bechoros 45.) א"ר יהודה אמר שמואל מעשה בתלמידיו של ר' ישמעאל ששלקו זונה אחת שנתחייבה שריפה למלך בדקו ומצאו בה מאתים וחמשים ושנים אמר להם שמא באשה בדקתם שהוסיף לה הכתוב שני צירים ושני דלתות - we say L'Chol Aivoreho, U'Lchol Gideha - so I would think (no source yet) that if a man is either missing a limb or has extra that we would say L'Chol Avorov, U'Lchol Gidov.

link|improve this answer
where does it say a woman has 252? If I'm not mistaken, the count of 248 was derived from an autopsy of a woman who had been executed. – Shalom Aug 30 '11 at 17:55
see also Ben Ish Chai hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=21525&pgnum=124 – Gershon Gold Aug 30 '11 at 18:55
1  
@Shalom: the Gemara that Gershon referenced is referring to that case of an autopsy, and it gives the figure 252. The count of 248 (for a man) comes from Oholos 1:8. – Alex Aug 30 '11 at 22:17
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.