A 98-year-old resident’s idea transforms a centuries-old tradition into a heartfelt celebration of mobility devices, honoring the freedom and independence they provide.

The “Blessing of the F(l)eet,” an interfaith blessing and celebration of the mobility devices that help us get around, took place on Sept. 26 at 2Life Communities’ Brown Family House in Brookline, in partnership with Hebrew SeniorLife, All Saints Parish, and Temple Ohabei Shalom.

Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of local clergy blessing their village’s fleet of ships, Hebrew SeniorLife resident Anne Umansky had the idea to adapt this ceremony to instead bless the fleet of mobility devices that help us move through the world as we age—wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers, and feet—not as symbols of limitation, but as tools of empowerment.

Left – 2Life Communities’ Rabbi Giulia Fleishman blesses a resident’s walker; Right – Anne Umansky addresses the crowd
Left: Rabbi Giulia Fleishman of 2Life Communities blesses a resident’s walker. Right: Anne Umansky addresses the crowd. (Photo courtesy of Nate Hillyer)

“We are like ships, and some of us create a rather flickering light,” said Umansky. “I thought about what a beautiful image it was, these ships going out to sea. And I thought, in a way, it was a metaphor that applies to those of us who have reached a certain age. We’ve all had adventures—but the possibility and probability are enhanced by some of the things we have created to make it easier. They make it possible to respect the older ships that want to get out and still have an interest. So I just want to say: flicker on, folks!”

While Hebrew SeniorLife’s Community Rabbi and Chaplain Jim Morgan provided live music—including a rousing rendition of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” reimagined as “These Wheels Are Made for Rollin'”—Reverend Silas Kontour of Temple Ohabei Shalom and Rabbi Giulia Fleishman, director of spiritual care at 2Life Communities, individually blessed attendees’ mobility devices.

Learn more from our 2022 post about the origin of the blessing.

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