Segulah for a Smooth Delivery: Where to Place the Book Noam Elimelech in the Delivery Room?

Greetings,

It is permissible to place the holy book under the pillow, but not under the head, rather on the side. According to Ashkenazi custom, the book should be elevated above the bed.

Sources: Written by the Gaon Rabbi Malchiel Tzvi Tenenbaum zt"l in Responsa Divrei Malchiel part 5 (siman 166) regarding the practice of placing the book Raziel under the pillow of a woman in labor because it is considered beneficial, and I wish to know my opinion if it is permitted to do so. It is explicitly stated in the Shas Berakhot (Daf 24 Amud A) that it is permissible to place tefillin not directly against the head. Furthermore, for healing through words of Torah, there is no concern that this is merely for protection and safeguarding, as stated in Shevuot (Daf 15 Amud B). In our case, it is to protect her to give birth properly without harm. Therefore, it seems that there is no objection to those who do this. They should only be warned not to place them directly against the head. Thus. Also, see Responsa Beer Moshe part 3 (siman 177) and Responsa Shevet Halevi part 6 (siman 162).

Regarding what I mentioned about the Ashkenazi custom, this is based on the Rema Yoreh Deah (siman 282, se'if 7) that one should not sit on a bed that has sacred books on it. The Sephardi custom is to be lenient about this, and they only forbid sitting equally with a Torah scroll, as explained in Responsa Yabia Omer part 9 (part Yoreh Deah siman 22).

May you have good news,

Hillel Meirs