Psalms for a Woman in Labor (Yoledet)
Which Psalm chapters are recited during childbirth?
According to Sephardic tradition and the book Shmirat HaNefesh: chapters 1, 3, 4, 20, 21, 22, 30. The full list includes approximately 18 chapters traditionally recited during labor. Primarily the husband, parents, and family members recite these chapters during the birth.
For the protection of a woman in labor and for a safe birth, specific Psalm chapters are traditionally recited. An ancient custom, found in the book Shmirat HaNefesh (by Rabbi Shlomo Levenstein) and in Sephardic prayer books, calls for the recitation of Chapters 1, 3, 4, 20, 21, 22, 30 — chapters connected to protection, prayer, and supplication. In Sephardic communities, additional chapters are also recited as part of the "Tehillim for a Woman in Labor." In many communities, the custom is to open a communal Tehillim book the moment a woman enters the delivery room, and to divide the chapters among family members until the good news arrives. These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities and authorities may use slightly different chapter sets.
Based on traditional sources
Traditional Chapters
| Chapter | Opening Verse | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| א | אשרי האיש | פותח ספר תהילים |
| ג | מזמור לדוד בברחו | תפילה בצרה |
| ד | בקוראי ענני | בקשה מאלוקים |
| כ | יענך ה' ביום צרה | שמירה בעת מצוקה |
| כא | ה' בעוזך ישמח מלך | שמחה ושמירה |
| כב | אלי אלי למה עזבתני | תפילה בצרה |
| ל | מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית | רפואה ושמירה |
| צא | יושב בסתר עליון | "כי מלאכיו יצווה לך" |
| קכא | שיר למעלות אשא עיני | "ה' ישמרך מכל רע" |
These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities may use slightly different chapter sets.
שאלות נפוצות
Which Psalm chapters are recited during childbirth?+
According to Sephardic tradition and Shmirat HaNefesh: chapters 1, 3, 4, 20, 21, 22, 30. The full list includes approximately 18 chapters traditionally recited during labor.
Who recites Psalms for a woman in labor?+
Primarily the husband, parents, and family members — those waiting in the synagogue or at home for good news. In many communities, a communal Tehillim book is opened the moment it becomes known that a woman has entered the delivery room.
How long do you continue reciting Psalms during labor?+
Psalms are recited until the news of a safe birth arrives. After the birth, it is customary to recite a prayer of thanksgiving. Some continue reciting Psalms during the nursing period for the protection of the mother and infant.
Sources
- • ספר "שמירת הנפש" — ר' שלמה לוינשטיין
- • מנהג קהילות ספרד
- • Westminster Leningrad Codex (Public Domain) — openscriptures/morphhb
Based on traditional sources — not a substitute for rabbinic guidance