In conjunction with the Museum at Eldridge Street's current exhibition, First Light: Birth in the Jewish Tradition, join Professor Emerita of Religion at Dartmouth College, Susan Ackerman, on Zoom as we explore pregnancy and childbirth rituals in ancient Israel.

While there are not many passages in the Bible that shed light on pregnancy and childbirth rituals in ancient Israel, looking elsewhere in the ancient world, especially to the cultures of Hatti, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, can help us identify possible rituals that Israelite women may have used during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Join Dr. Ackerman on February 11th at 6pm Eastern Time as she traces the experience of the ancient world’s mothers-to-be from conception, through pregnancy, to delivery. She will also provide evidence regarding ancient Israelite mothers' ritual activities, such as consulting oracles, using protective amulets and anointing oil, knot-magic rituals, reciting incantations, and bathing newborns.

Please see the Zoom link in your order confirmation email. This program is entirely virtual.

12 Eldridge Street Map
212-219-0888