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

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

A modern poem based on biblical texts

baby hand holding adult finger

To recite when the baby is born or at the ceremony

newborn baby wrapped in blue blanket

Recited by the mother for the safe childbirth

woman deep breath near celmatis vine

A prayer to be said immediately following the birth of a child

A babys hand gently holding an adults finger on a soft white background.

A prayer to be said in synagogue for a mother who has newly given birth

mother and newborn baby

On the absence of ritual at the birth of daughters, with suggestions for new rituals for conception, pregnancy, and childbirth

woman in birthing tub with midwife nearby

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

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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