First Babies of New Jewish Year Born on Rosh Hashanah Eve

The first babies of the Jewish year 5787 (Tashp"z) were born across Israel on Friday evening, September 13, coinciding with the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Hospitals like Sheba and Meir welcomed newborns as many families gathered for holiday meals.

Among the new parents were Chen and Tom Muskat from Ramat Gan, who welcomed their first daughter. Chen Muskat shared that she had been experiencing contractions earlier in the day, leading them to inform family they would miss the holiday meal. The couple is considering names for their daughter, with options like "Duvshanit" (meaning 'honey-sweet') and "Tishrei" being discussed, reflecting the holiday timing. "Our daughter's official birthday will now be celebrated on Rosh Hashanah," Chen Muskat noted, adding, "We'll eat apple cake with candles."

A unique birth occurred at Sheba Medical Center, where Tair Aligula gave birth to her second daughter on the exact same Hebrew date she was born 31 years prior, also on Rosh Hashanah eve. "Baruch Hashem (Thank God), I had my second birth today at Sheba Medical Center, also on the first of Tishrei," Aligula stated, expressing gratitude to her husband and the midwife.

For hospital staff, the holiday eve is a busy yet joyous occasion. Dana Atir, deputy head nurse at Meir Hospital, mentioned that volunteers often seek to assist in delivery rooms on holidays. "Some people want to escape the holiday meal a bit," Atir said, "but ultimately, everyone who comes brings something very exciting, pleasant, festive, and joyful. The team leaves with full hearts for the new year."