Pregnancy & Childbirth

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

Dream of the Red Tent

feminism, gender, lesbian, LGBTQ, Miriam

A group of diverse people holding hands and smiling outdoors on a sunny day.

Gentle Boys: A Mother’s Prayer

#metoo, feminism, gender, gender inclusive, genderqueer, LGBTIQ, sexual harassment

Woman holding a baby and playing a guitar, both seated on the floor, smiling.

A Rebirth Mikveh Ritual for Mothers

feminism, mikveh, parent

Staircase descending with potted plants on a ledge and a white railing on the right.

An Invocation of Divine Motherhood

“Motherhood / Finds us…”

mother looking into childs eyes

Traditional Mikveh Blessings

Traditional blessings for mikveh immersion

abortion, birthdays, cancer, conversion, mikveh, miscarriage, name change, rape, same-sex wedding, sex

A woman in a white shirt floats calmly on water, with her eyes closed and hair submerged.

A Mother’s Prayer

A mother’s prayer for her child

mother and baby

Prayer at the Birth of a Child

“We vow at this moment of creation / to further the work of Creation…”

newborn baby with hospital bracelet

Blessing for a Premature Baby

A blessing for a premature baby

newborn baby wrapped in blue blanket

What is a Mikveh? An Introduction to the Jewish Ritual Bath

What is a Mikveh? An introduction to Jewish ritual bath.

abortion, adoption, anniversary, breastfeeding, cancer, conception, covenant, engagement, get, gomel, loss of a child, miscarriage, name change, sex, stillbirth

Illustration of a mikvah pool with tiled walls and stairs leading into the water. Text reads The Mikvah.

A Blessing for a Baby Born Prematurely

A blessing of strength and resilience for a premature baby

premature, welcoming

father son and newborn baby