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.
“We vow at this moment of creation / to further the work of Creation…”
What is a Mikveh? An introduction to Jewish ritual bath.
A blessing of strength and resilience for a premature baby
Watch this video to learn more about birkat hagomel, a blessing to be recited after safely making it through childbirth
Prayer for parents-to-be and health care providers (i.e., midwives or ObGyn) at the beginning of labor
A prayer for strength and good counsel during a difficult moment in pregnancy
A prayer of thanksgiving for the goodness, protection, and empowerment in our lives
A reading for a baby naming on Hanukkah
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
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
Discover how Jewish folklore and personal memory can spark new poetry—join this creative immersion with poet Susan Comninos.
Give voice to your own stories through the timeless power of myth and writing.
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