Question: I am pregnant. Is there a prayer I can say for the baby's health?
Dear Rabbi Goldwasser,
I am expecting a baby girl in December. Is there a special prayer that can be said for the baby's health?
I appreciate your answer.
Answer: Let me to wish you "b'sha'ah tovah." May the baby come at a time favorable to her health and to yours.
There is a fascinating literature of Jewish women's prayers in Ashkenazic tradition, known as techinot. These prayers were written in Yiddish, mostly by men, for women to recite at various times. There are many techinot for women during pregnancy and childbirth. The following prayer is adapted from a techinah published in 1825:
"May it be your will, Adonai my God and God of my ancestors, that you will ease the pains of pregnancy for me, that You will increase my strength and the strength of my baby. When my time to give birth arrives, may I give birth easily. May the pain of childbirth fulfill my transition into motherhood. May the baby go out into the air of the world easily, without harm. May the baby be born with good fortune into life, peace, health, comfort and honor. May my child find grace in Your eyes and in the eyes of all your creations. May this child's life fulfill the verse: "God sets the childless woman among her household as a happy mother of children. Hallelujah." May my husband and I raise this child to serve You. May we merit to teach this child your holy Torah, to have peace and comfort, honor and rest. Guard us, my baby and me, that we will not come to harm. May You strengthen my courage, my strength, and my might, as it says: "My Lord, my life-breath is revived. You have restored me to health and revived me." Amen."
I hope it is of use and fulfillment to you.
Best wishes for a good birth,
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser
