We Chose the Baby’s Name… Just in Time

My story begins on a Tuesday evening, when I went to visit my sister-in-law at Beilinson Hospital. She was in her 42nd week of pregnancy and had already been hospitalized for about a week. I came just to cheer her up and keep her company.

It’s important to mention that this was a very tense time in Israel—there had been many stabbing attacks in Jerusalem and nearby areas. The atmosphere everywhere felt heavy and anxious.

When I entered the maternity department, it was filled with the sound of Arabic. Many babies had just been born there, but because of the tense security situation, it increased my fear. Still, I tried to push past the anxiety. I reminded myself that visiting the sick is a mitzvah (commandment), and I wanted to do it with joy and faith. I tried to hold onto the words of Tehillim (Psalms): “One who trusts in Hashem will be surrounded by kindness.”

I was in my seventh month of pregnancy at the time. Without thinking much, I smiled at my sister-in-law and said, “Wow, how nice that you’re already at the end of this!” She laughed and answered, “Well, your turn is coming soon too.” We said our goodbyes and I went home.

The very next day, I saw a terrible video of a stabbing attack that had taken place in Geula—by a Bezeq (telecom company) worker, of all people. It shook me deeply. My fear and tension only increased.

Later that night, I came home from work around ten. My husband and I sat down for coffee. I don’t even know how it came up, but suddenly I asked him, “What about a name for the baby girl?” He looked at me with big eyes, like—what’s the rush? He said, “Why are you even asking now? You still have two full months until the birth!”

Still, I felt something pushing me. I couldn’t explain it. I just knew we had to sit and write down name ideas right then and there.

We went to sleep as usual. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, I woke up in a panic—with strong contractions, just like before birth. I shook my husband awake. We were so shocked, we couldn’t even remember the number for MDA (Israel’s emergency medical services)! In our confusion, we called friends at four in the morning just to ask for it.

The paramedics arrived and quickly realized what was happening. They told me, “You’re going to have to give birth right here at home.” I was stunned. I started reciting Tehillim and told them, “No way. Hashem is with me—I can feel it. I will give birth in the hospital.”

They were trying to make sense of what I was saying, and probably thought I was delirious. But I got up and started walking down toward the ambulance by myself, even in that much pain. I told them over and over again, “Don’t worry, Hashem is with me. Hashem is with me.” Honestly, it must have looked pretty funny—me, a woman in active labor, convincing the paramedics that everything would be fine because I had faith.

But Hashem, in His great mercy, allowed me to reach Beilinson Hospital—and within five minutes, I gave birth to a tiny but healthy baby girl. I was only in my seventh month, yet she weighed two kilos—a wonderful weight for such an early birth! And it turns out, I gave birth before my sister-in-law!

That same day, we named our daughter Shilat. It was one of the three names we had written down the night before. Shilat is actually an acronym from the verse “Shiviti Hashem lenegdi tamid” — “I have set Hashem always before me.” That’s exactly what I felt. Hashem’s mercy and kindness carried me through everything.

Shilat had a minor breathing issue and needed some oxygen support. But after just two days, the machines were removed. Within 11 days, we were discharged from the hospital, holding not only a healthy baby in our arms—but a heart full of faith and gratitude.

Every morning since then, I wake up and thank Hashem for this miracle—and for every kindness He continues to do for us, day after day.

This story was published as part of the “Publicizing Miracles” project, where Hidabroot users share real-life stories of Hashem’s kindness. Have you experienced a miracle worth sharing? Send your story to debi@htv.co.il.