Thursday, June 6th, is Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan – the day before the start of the month of Sivan, in which we received the Torah. It is a custom on that day for parents to recite Tefillas Hashelah – the prayer written by the Shelah Hakadosh for parents to say on behalf of their children.

A Parent’s Prayer

(Shelah HaKadosh)

It is particularly important to pray for good and upright children. While praying for this, one should also ask Hashem to provide them with all their needs and to send them their life's mate. I believe that the most appropriate time to recite this prayer is on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, for that is the month when Hashem gave us His Torah and when we began to be called His children. It is proper that every husband and wife fast on that day and repent, committing themselves to improve all areas of their home life... and let them give charity to poor people of character. This is the prayer they should recite: