I choose to write about birth and birthing rituals in Israel relating to Orthodox Jews because working at a Jewish preschool for many years I have learned a lot about Jewish rituals and find them all to be extremely interesting.
A woman in labor enters into the status of one "Whose life is in danger" from the time she enters labor. During this time any laws for example, the rules of Sabbath Observance, may be set aside for her to be cared for because saving a life supersedes anything else. The woman will remain in this state for 3 days after childbirth and is exempt from a lot of obligations. Women are also cut off from the physical contact and comfort of their husbands. It is traditional for men to stay outside the room where their wives are in labor, but now many will attend the birth. An orthodox Jewish woman often asks for the help of another supporter like her mother, a sister, or friend as well as her husband, since he is not allowed to do any hands-on jobs. Many orthodox Jewish women place a prayer book under the pillow during labor because it is believed to reduce pain and danger of childbirth. An orthodox woman will also try to keep her head and body covered as much as possible during labor.
One the first Sabbath (Saturday) after a Jewish child is born, the child's father goes to the synagogue to recite the aliyah and wish for the health of both the mother and child. If the child is a girl, she is named at this time. Boys get named on the eighth day after their birth, as part of the rite of circumcision.
Jewish children living outside of Israel are traditionally given a Hebrew name for use in religious rituals and a nonreligious name for daily use.
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