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.
Capturing the Tree of Life pattern by creating a placenta print
A mother’s prayer for the health and well-being of her new baby and the wisdom to raise her
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
To recite when the baby is born or at the ceremony
A prayer to be said immediately following the birth of a child
A prayer to be said in synagogue for a mother who has newly given birth
On the absence of ritual at the birth of daughters, with suggestions for new rituals for conception, pregnancy, and childbirth
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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