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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

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

gomel blessing

Prayer for parents-to-be and health care providers (i.e., midwives or ObGyn) at the beginning of labor

pregnant woman holding belly

A prayer for strength and good counsel during a difficult moment in pregnancy

pregnant woman in red dress holding leaves

A prayer of thanksgiving for the goodness, protection, and empowerment in our lives

A woman in a striped shirt closes her eyes and places her hands on her chest in a peaceful indoor setting.

A reading for a baby naming on Hanukkah

A menorah with nine lit candles, glowing against a dark background.

A ritual that combines making gifts and sharing intentions for the new parents and baby-to-be, as well as making gifts for babies in need of extra support

A woman stands holding a baby in a cozy living room with several seated people watching attentively.

Capturing the Tree of Life pattern by creating a placenta print

tree in field

A traditional Yiddish tekhine

Three people walking through autumn leaves; a child holding hands with two adults.

A mother’s prayer for the health and well-being of her new baby and the wisdom to raise her

newborn baby feet

Traditional prayer of thanks for a mother after delivering a child, or for one who has recently escaped danger or returned safely from a journey

person wearing white shirt out in a field with palm on their own heart

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