Six pointed magen david, star of protection and blessing. Seat 6 close friends or relatives around the mother-to-be. Everyone else in concentric circles extending out. Note: If not possible, seat the mother-to-be at the head of a circle.
Opening Niggun
Carlebach Angel Song
Blessings
(Ask group to say Amen after each blessing.)
Makor ha-chayyim v’Rofeh ha-cholim, Source of Life and Divine Healer, give blessing and health, safety and ease of childbirth to [name of mother], and to her baby who yet grows within.
May the little one emerge at a sha’ah tovah, a goodly hour, an hour of ripeness and readiness for entering this world in health and in joy.
May [parent’s name] and [parent’s name] grow ever closer as they prepare for the blessed experience of becoming parents.
May [name of mother] remain healthy, joyful and strong as she prepares to be a Mother-in-Israel.
And may all [mother’s name] circle of loved ones keep her in their hearts and prayers during this precious time of anticipation.
May our prayers be signed and sealed. Let us all say, Amen.
[Name of mother], I give to you a red thread from the place where our Biblical mother Rachel dwells, called Kever Rachel, Rachel’s Tomb. This thread holds the prayers of many pious women, prayers for health and safety of pregnancy and delivery. Keep it near you. (Note: If thread from Rachel’s Tomb is not available, the ceremonialist and/or the group may prepare one by holding it and praying the psalms and other prayers.)
We also have a cup of water which holds a few drops from the River Jordan in Israel, known as a river of manifold blessings. If you hold out your hands, all of us will touch you with this water, which will hold our blessings for you as well. Feel free to speak your blessings as well. (Note: A cup of spring water may be used instead. Each participant holds the cup, says a blessing, and rubs a few drops on the hands of the mother-to-be.)
Closing Niggun and Dance
Siman tov u’mazal tov, y’hei lanu l’chol Yisrael. May it be a good sign for us and all Israel.
