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

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

Interpretive Birkat Ha-Gomel

A reading for a baby naming on Hanukkah

Nes Gadol Haya Sham: A Great Miracle Happened There

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

Bereishit: An Alternative Baby Shower

Capturing the Tree of Life pattern by creating a placenta print

tree in field

A traditional Yiddish tekhine

On the Blessing of Children

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

A modern poem based on biblical texts

baby hand holding adult finger

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

Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion

Join us for Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion on Sunday, June 9th. Mix and mingle with old and new friends, enjoy delicious kosher-vegetarian food and engage in a variety of creative, thought-provoking sessions exploring rituals, writing, and art.

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The Reconstructionist Network