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

“Motherhood / Finds us…”

mother looking into childs eyes

Traditional blessings for mikveh immersion

Traditional Mikveh Blessings

A mother’s prayer for her child

mother and baby

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

newborn baby with hospital bracelet

A blessing for a premature baby

newborn baby wrapped in blue blanket

A blessing of strength and resilience for a premature baby

father son and newborn baby

Watch this video to learn more about birkat hagomel, a blessing to be recited after safely making it through childbirth

gomel blessing

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

Presence and Absence: Images of the Divine in Kabbalah

In this study of the Zohar, Rabbi Margie Jacobs will guide you in exploring the Shekhinah, the feminine, immanent, indwelling Sacred Presence, through the use of art materials and reflective writing. Four sessions starting May 7, 2024. 

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The Reconstructionist Network