Shir Hamaalos

There is an ancient Jewish custom[1] which has been practiced for centuries, to adorn the newborn's home with pieces of parchment or paper on which are inscribed holy verses, angelic names, and the Psalm, "Shir HaMaalos - A Song of Ascents...My help will come from the L-rd."[2]

In some communities the custom takes the form of an amulet worn by the mother. "An accepted Jewish custom takes the force of Torah,"[3] and the different traditional versions of this practice will all bestow a benevolent glow of protection and blessing on the new mother and the newborn infant.

When these verses are hung up prior to the labor and birth, they will certainly invoke the heavenly blessing so that the labor and birth shall be easy and without complications, and afterwards they extend their blessings for a good and long life.

... Therefore, it is important to bring to the attention of Jewish people everywhere that even when the birthing mother and infant are in the hospital, one should endeavor to hang up a "Shir HaMaalos" in the room of the mother and the child, and if possible to attach one to the cradle of the baby, similar to the custom which is practiced in their home. For these virtuous acts are even more important the closer they are to the birth.

Consequently, it is proper and commendable to publicize this custom wherever Jews live, so that the verses of "Shir HaMaalos" may be put up in the mother's room and in the baby's nursery to afford a measure of protection.

It would be most appropriate and propitious to put up these verses in the mother's room as soon as she arrives at the hospital, when she goes in to give birth, and after the birth.

(Hisvaaduyos 5747, Vol. II, pp. 37-38)

Recitation Of Tehillim

The Rebbe relates that at the time the Rebbe Maharash was born, the Tzemach Tzedek directed his older sons to recite the following chapters of Psalms: 1, 2, 3, [4], 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 33, 47, 72, 86, 90, 91, 92, 93, 104, 112, and from chapter 113 through the conclusion.

(Sefer HaToldos - Admur Maharash, p. [5])

The Husband Should Not Be In The Delivery Room

The Rav shlita is indubitably correct in his ruling that the husband should not be present [in the delivery room during the time of birth].

I wonder why you even [need to] ask this question.

(Shaarei Halachah U'Minhag, Vol. IV, p. 39)

Non-Recitation Of Hagomel

Following giving birth, a woman does not recite the thanksgiving blessing of HaGomel.

(Directive of the Rebbe)4

A Newborn Should Immediately Be Surrounded With Objects Of Holiness

It is very important that as soon as a Jewish child is born, he/she should be enveloped in an atmosphere of holiness. It is known that what a one-day-old baby sees and hears will have an influence on the child even many years later.5

Surround the child with objects of holiness and this will help add blessing and success to the life of the child so that the parents will merit to raise the child "to Torah, to chuppah, and to good deeds."

(Hisvaaduyos 5747, Vol. II, p. 37)

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Quoted at the conclusion of the book Razi'el HaMalach, et al.

2. (Back to text) Psalm 121.

3. (Back to text) See Tosafos, Menachos 20b.

4. (Back to text) Heard from the Rebbe's secretary, Rabbi Leibel Groner.

5. (Back to text) Thus the custom among so many of Anash to place a picture of the Rebbe in the infant's crib.