Question: Is there a prayer in Judaism for a healthy birth?
Dear Rabbi Enkin,
My daughter in law is giving birth to my first grand child. Is there a prayer I can say to help her have a safe birth?
Thank you, Joyce
Answer: Dear Joyce,
While there is no patented prayer to be found in the standard siddur, God is open to every prayer that comes from the heart.
While the siddur (Jewish prayer book) is the magnum opus of Jewish prayer, it is by far not exclusive.
I encourage you to pray to God in any language you see fit for all that you desire in life. Any prayer that comes from your heart is a legitimate prayer.
Indeed, Rabbi Nachman teaches that a person should pour out their heart to God on a daily basis as if He were a personal friend.
May God bless you and your future grandchild.
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
