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Pregnancy & Childbirth

Pregnant woman in a field, wearing overalls, holds her belly and yellow balloons on a cloudy day.

It is a blessing to create and carry life in our bodies. Giving birth is one of life’s great privileges. It allows us to partner with the divine in the act of creation. Historically, Judaism provided scant opportunity to mark this occasion. Here, we offer prayers and rituals for celebrating this unique and wondrous experience.

Latest Rituals

“you will know a tidal surge / part marvel part mystery…”
a pregnant woman touches her belly, a dog lies sleeping at her feet
“No words can describe it. / The first time I held her on my chest…”
a new infant
“We have been waiting for you”
closeup of newborn white baby held by adult white hands
“Sarah waited, far too long. / So what’s a few more days, right?”
close up of light-skinned adult hand holding hand of small baby

Ritual for moving into new phase of life post-childbearing

Pink rose petals, a pomegranate, small red berries, and purple flowers arranged on gravel in a circular pattern.

Poem on parenting new baby struggling to feed 

Adult hand gently holding a babys hand, both resting on a soft, patterned blanket.

“becoming a parent is a significant lifecycle event and merits its own ritual”

A woman holding and kissing a baby indoors on a couch.

“May you never feel alone for you will always have each other”

Two children walk arm in arm down a leaf-strewn forest path in black and white.
A woman kisses a baby on the cheek while holding them in her arms, sitting on a couch indoors.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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The Reconstructionist Network