Expecting Jewish: A Millenial Mom’s Practical Guide to How Judaism Can be a Blessing to New Moms and Moms-to-be

by Marion Haberman

From conception to birth, Expecting Jewish! is the best resource for practical advice and helpful insight on preparing for motherhood from a Jewish perspective. Covering everything from the essentials of bris and baby-name planning to the mysticism of the mikvah, Expecting Jewish! is a guide for infusing Jewish customs and wisdom into each stage of the parenthood journey, from conception to the newborn days.

Expecting Jewish! doesn't shy away from the most important conversations including genetic testing, infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy loss - and most importantly how Judaism can be a blessing throughout these difficult journeys.

Building on the Jewish value of inclusion the book also provides essential resources for interfaith couples, conversion and adoption!

The book shares an unfiltered perspective on what new parents can really expect during this stage of life, with advice from real moms who have lived through it. The book also includes interviews from prominent rabbis, Jewish thought leaders and social media game-changes who offer their own insights into what's trending and what's changing for Jewish women today when it comes to motherhood.

Genres: Parenting

242 pages, Paperback

Published March 23, 2021

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book amounts to a “Jewish parents-to-be for Dummies” and would likely be a very helpful orientation for parents-to-be who identify as Jewish but have had minimal exposure to organized Judaism. There are feminist-friendly ruminations on pregnancy-related halakot (or lack thereof) and the implications for Jewish attitudes towards sex and miscarriage; overviews of various minhagim re: baby naming and prenatal baby purchases; checklists for non-affiliated parents-to-be who nonetheless want a full blown bris; and some good misc tips (JScreen is an awesome new service that neither we nor our midwives had heard of). The book touches on the role(s) that synagogues can play in supporting new parents, how a 9 month mikvah dip can be an empowering experience, and offers a starter set of brachot and mitzvot for readers who want to take baby steps towards incorporating Judaism into their lives more intentionally during and after their pregnancy journey.

This book would have been perfect had we been interested in pursuing parenthood around the same time that we were exploring what relationship we wanted to have with organized Judaism as adults and as couple, over a decade and a half ago. Jews who are or have been practicing as adults will find most of the content too elementary to be useful.

[Paola Paz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book to read for future moms. I liked the narrative, it was like a conversation.
Even when I am not a mother (yet, I hope to one day have a kid) the way adoption is taken is absolutely fantastic, the prayers, etc.
A lot of jewish terms I didn't even know about where explained.