Audio By Carbonatix
An Orthodox Jewish woman in Israel puts her faith to the ultimate test, keeping mum throughout the entire scream-inducing process.
Even if you didn't believe the rumor that in 2005 Tom Cruise, a committed Scientologist, forced Katie Holmes to keep silent while she gave birth to their daughter, the very idea probably gave you pause. The ability to go through hours, sometimes days, of back-breaking labor without uttering a peep seems impossible. In fact, screaming during labor serves a medical purpose: "Scientists have proven that there is actual pain relief to be had when we swear or shout," says Jeanne Sager at The Stir. But one woman in Jerusalem has reportedly said no to noise during labor. Here, a guide to her strange ordeal:
Why did she keep silent?
The woman, an Orthodox Jew, had taken a vow of silence, pledging not to speak until the end of the Shabbat on Saturday night. She refused to even tell anyone when she started labor, and gave birth alone in her house on Saturday morning. No one knew the baby had been born until her husband returned to the house later that day.
What happened after the birth?
The woman reportedly hid her baby, still attached by an umbilical cord, under her dress, and dumped the placenta in a bag. She refused to speak to anyone, including the paramedics when they arrived. (The paramedics were alerted only when the husband went back to the synagogue to ask the rabbi for a blessing.) An impromptu rabbinical council released her from her vow, but she doggedly refused to open her mouth.
Did she finally go to a hospital?
Yes. The family's rabbi called the police, who restrained the woman while paramedics cut the cord and rushed the baby to the hospital. The mother came along, and by the time she arrived at the hospital the Shabbat had ended, allowing her to speak once more. The baby is reportedly fine, thought "there is no word... on the physical and mental health of the mother," says Failed Messiah.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Clean Air Fund sets 2026 targets, pushing gov’t toward funding, tougher laws and real health gains on air pollution
3 minutes -
New Year begins with 15.92% water and 9.86% electricity tariff hikes
19 minutes -
TUC, PURC call for calm amid power tariff concerns, assure public of stakeholder engagement
22 minutes -
New VAT is a game changer for Ghana’s revenue collection – GRA Boss
56 minutes -
Adom FM’s Strictly Highlife comes off today at Palms Convention Centre
1 hour -
Relive the 90s: Joy FM’s 90’s Jam takes over this Friday
1 hour -
Relieve Ato Forson of Defence role to protect fiscal discipline – Franklin Cudjoe to Mahama
2 hours -
Ghana at a ‘critical crossroads’, must mentor youth in integrity – Duffuor
3 hours -
Foreign Affairs Minister completes rollout of Passport Application Centres in all regional capitals
3 hours -
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister commissions Passport Application Centre in Goaso
3 hours -
Choose people and planet over war – UN Secretary-General’s New Year message to world leaders
4 hours -
Police nab suspect over foiled gold robbery plot at Manso Abrense
4 hours -
Philadelphia Church camp meeting causes massive gridlock on Accra-Kumasi Highway
4 hours -
“Truth with danger saves generations” — Dr Duffuor urges integrity-led renewal in New Year message
4 hours -
Gold boosts Cedi to shatter 30-year losing streak
4 hours
