In Judaism, the blessing of being able to bear children is highly esteemed and unrivaled. In the book of Genesis, Sarah’s pregnancy is seen as a miraculous gift from God. However, with the blessing of life comes the controversy of abortion. Abortion is perhaps one of the most sensitive and charged topics in the political sphere, and Judaism’s view on it is quite nuanced. In this presentation, we will explore the Jewish approach to abortion and the beauty of pregnancy, as found in the Hebrew Bible and the Oral Torah. We will also look at the various customs and practices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth to better understand the importance of life in Judaism.
Judaism has always valued children and procreation, with the first command given to Adam being to “be fruitful and multiply.” The Talmud also declares that those who raise someone else’s child are regarded as if they had physically brought the child into the world. Jewish law often forbids the use of birth control, and couples should seek the counsel of a reliable rabbi before using it. The Jewish approach to abortion is highly nuanced, as it does not necessarily fit squarely into either side of the debate. In the Hebrew Bible, Exodus 21:22 states that if two men are fighting and a pregnant woman intervenes, the man responsible for the pregnant woman’s injury or her unborn child must be punished. This suggests that the Bible views the unborn child as having some legal rights; thus, abortion may not be permissible.
The Oral Torah further clarifies the Jewish view on abortion. The Mishnah states that if a woman miscarries due to a beating, the perpetrator must pay damages, and the fetus is considered to have legal standing. However, if a woman is in danger of losing her life due to the pregnancy, it is permissible to abort the fetus to save the mother’s life. In addition to the legal aspects of abortion, there are several customs and practices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth in Judaism. For example, it is customary for a pregnant woman to give extra charity, as it is believed that being kind to others causes God to treat us correspondingly. It is also important for a pregnant woman to be meticulous in her nutrition, as what she eats can affect the fetus.
Furthermore, several customs and practices are observed during childbirth. After the baby is born, it is customary to perform the Brit Milah or “covenant of circumcision” on the eighth day. The mother is also encouraged to observe a period of rest called the “Lying-in” to recover from birth. After childbirth, it is customary for the mother to give thanks to God by reciting the blessings of Shehechiyanu and Hatov v’hameitiv. The mother is also encouraged to give charity on the day of the child’s birth to thank God for the gift of life.
Judaism generally views pregnancy and childbirth as a beautiful blessing from God. The importance of life is highly valued, and legal rights are given to the unborn child. At the same time, abortion is permissible in certain cases, such as when the mother’s life is in danger. A number of customs and practices associated with pregnancy and childbirth are observed in Judaism. These include giving extra charity, being mindful of nutrition, performing the Brit Milah, and reciting the blessings of Shehechiyanu and Hatov v’hameitiv.
Ultimately, Judaism values the preciousness of life and the blessing of being able to bear children. While the question of abortion is sensitive and controversial, it is important to approach it with an open mind and respect for the Jewish traditions and customs surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Couples must seek the counsel of a reliable rabbi before deciding to use birth control or to pursue an abortion in order to ensure that they are acting following Jewish law. In appreciating the beauty of pregnancy, couples can experience the joy of bringing a new life into the world in the most respectful and meaningful way possible.
According to Jewish law, abortion is only permissible if the mother’s life is in danger. This means that in cases where the woman is not in any physical or emotional danger, abortion is not allowed. Furthermore, it is forbidden to abort a fetus to avoid embarrassment or financial hardship. During the nine months of pregnancy, it is customary for couples to perform mitzvot in order to merit a healthy pregnancy and baby. For example, couples are encouraged to donate to charity and study Torah to bring merit to the unborn child. It is also customary for the mother to recite special prayers throughout the pregnancy, such as the “Prayer for the Unborn Child” and the “Prayer for a Son.”
After the baby is born, it is customary for the mother to recite the blessings of Shehechiyanu and Hatov v’hameitiv and for the father to recite the blessings of Simchat Bat, as well as the blessings of Shehechiyanu and Hatov v’hameitiv. Furthermore, it is customary for the father to name the baby and for the mother to fast on the day, the baby is born. It is also customary for the mother or father to give charity on the day of the baby’s birth. This is done as a way of thanking God for the precious gift of life and bringing merit to the newborn child. Furthermore, it is customary for the father to recite the blessing of “Blessed are You, God, Who Has Granted Me the Right to Father This Child” on the day of the baby’s birth.
After the baby is born, it is customary for the parents to make a special blessing for the baby. This blessing is known as the blessing of the “Covenant of Abraham” and is usually recited by the father. This is done to express gratitude to God for the gift of life and blessing the couple with a healthy and beautiful child. In addition to the customs and practices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, several rituals are associated with naming the baby. For example, it is customary for the father to call the baby by its name in the presence of witnesses and invite the guests to share the joy of the occasion. Furthermore, it is customary for the father to give a blessing to the baby, expressing his hope that the child will be a source of joy and blessing to the family and the world at large.
During the postpartum period, it is customary for the mother to observe a period of rest called the “Lying-In” in order to recover from birth. This is done to ensure that the mother is physically and emotionally ready to take on the responsibilities of motherhood. Furthermore, it is customary for the mother to light a special candle every week for seven weeks after the baby is born to bring merit and blessing to the newborn child. Finally, it is also customary for the mother to recite the blessing of “Blessed are You, God, Who Has Granted Me the Right to Mother This Child” on the day of the baby’s birth. This is done to express gratitude to God for the precious gift of life and for blessing the couple with a healthy and beautiful child. The blessing is also a reminder of the mother’s responsibility towards her child and of the importance of cherishing and nurturing the gift of life.
Judaism views abortion as a moral issue, and its stance on the matter is complex. Jewish law permits abortion in certain circumstances, but only if the mother’s life is in danger or if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest. In cases where the mother’s health is at risk or if the fetus is severely disabled, many rabbis view abortion as permissible. In general, however, Judaism views abortion as a last resort and discourages it as a form of birth control. The Jewish faith also emphasizes the sanctity of life and the responsibility of parents to provide a safe and loving home for their children. This means that parents are expected to take all necessary steps to ensure the health and well-being of their unborn child.
In Jewish teaching, a woman has a moral duty to protect her health and well-being before that of her unborn child. This includes avoiding potentially dangerous activities such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs during pregnancy. Judaism also encourages pregnant women to get regular medical check-ups and ensure their prenatal care is of the highest quality. Finally, Judaism also stresses that a pregnant woman should be given the support and respect she needs throughout her pregnancy. This includes being mindful of her feelings, respecting her decisions, and providing emotional and financial support.
In conclusion, Judaism places an immense value on life, from conception to birth. While abortion is a complex topic of debate in today’s society, the Jewish view is of caution and moderation. Through the Hebrew Bible and the Oral Torah sources, we have seen that Judaism emphasizes the importance of life and the beauty of procreation. Additionally, the customs and practices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth are rooted in the Jewish belief in the preciousness of life. In this way, Judaism reminds us of the great gift that each and every life is.
References
Chana, & Zaklikowski, D. (2012). Just a moment… Just a moment… https://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/484409/jewish/Are-There-Jewish-Customs-for-Pregnancy-and-Birth.htm
Shurpin, Y. (2023). Just a moment… Just a moment… https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/529077/jewish/Judaism-and-Abortion.htm
Tzvi. (2014, September 9). Jewish laws and customs of pregnancy and birth. Aish.com. https://aish.com/19-birth-2/
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