Mothers and Children. Jewish Family Life in Medieval Europe - Elisheva Baumgarten

that she should bring a sacrifice” [BT Niddah 31b]. This is a valid reason in the

time that the Temple existed. But in our times, when the Temple does not exist,

how is she atoned for? And I think that this is the basis for the custom in our gen-

erations, that on the thirtieth day when the parturient goes out and the baby is no

longer in danger, the woman makes a festive meal and donates something to char-

ity or her husband donates for her.^50

ADDITIONAL BIRTH RITUALS 103

Figure 6. “Von der Geburt.” Johann Christoph Georg Bodenschatz, Kirchliche Verfas-
sung der heutigen Juden, Frankfurt-Leipzig, 1748 – 49). Photo courtesy of Hebrew Na-
tional and University Library, Jerusalem.