What is a prayer shawl you might ask? I think of a prayer shawl as a hug from God offering warmth and comfort. Shawl making begins with a prayer and blessing for the intended recipient and these intentions are carried out throughout the making of the shawl with one final blessing offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Shawls can be used for those unable to leave their homes, for those experiencing medical issues or recovering from surgery, and as a comfort in times of

I n 1998, Janet Severi-Bristow and Victoria Galo, both graduates of the 1997 Women’s Leadership Institute at the Harford Seminary in...