The beautiful tradition of blessing children on Friday nights at the Shabbat table before kiddush symbolises the connection and continuity of Judaism from generation to generation, harking back to the patriarch Jacob.
Either one or both parents/guardians can recite the blessing for a child of any age. It can also be recited by grandparents, other senior relatives or friends.
To sons, say:
Y’simcha Elohim k’Ephraim v’chi-Menasheh
יִשִׂמְךָ אֱלֹהִים כְּאֶפְרַיִם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁה
May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh
To daughters, say:
Y’simeich Elohim k’Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel v’Leah
יִשִׂימֵךְ אֱלֹהִים כְּשָׂרָה רִבְקָה רָחֵל וְלֵאָה
May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah
Then, to both sons and daughters, say:
Y’varechecha Adonai v’yishmerecha
יְבָרֶכְךָ ה׳ וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha vichuneka
יָאֵר ה׳ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
Yisa Adonai panav eilecha v’yasem lecha shalom
יִשָּׂא ה׳ פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.