In the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation and technology reign supreme, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has revealed a deeply personal and surprisingly traditional aspect of his family life. The billionaire tech mogul, known for revolutionizing social media, has adopted a nightly ritual that bridges ancient Jewish tradition with modern parenting.
In a recent Bloomberg interview, Zuckerberg disclosed that he sings "Mi Shebeirach," a prayer for healing composed by the late Jewish folk singer Debbie Friedman, to his three young daughters every night before bed. This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the private life of one of the world's most influential tech leaders.
"It's basically a prayer for health and courage," Zuckerberg explained, his voice softening as he quoted the English lyrics, "May we have the courage to make our lives a blessing." The 40-year-old father added, "I've sung it to them basically every night of their lives since they were born."
This intimate disclosure came unexpectedly during a discussion about Meta's artificial intelligence endeavors. When asked about a gold necklace he wore, Zuckerberg revealed it was a custom pendant engraved with the prayer's words, a physical embodiment of his nightly tradition.
The choice of "Mi Shebeirach" as a lullaby is unconventional, even within Jewish communities. Saul Kaye, a Bay Area prayer leader and musician, expressed surprise at Zuckerberg's choice. "He's a pioneer in tech, maybe he's a pioneer in this, too," Kaye remarked, adding that there's beauty in personalizing religious practices.
Zuckerberg's Jewish journey has been a topic of public interest over the years. From questioning his faith to affirming the importance of religion in 2016, his relationship with his heritage has evolved publicly.
This glimpse into his personal life reminds us of the universal desire for connection, tradition, and blessing – even for those shaping our digital future.
* The Jewish News of Northern Carolina contributed to this article.
