Just to add what Ecnerwal is saying - and he is 100% correct - I often use pocket doors in basements with lower clearance.  You can screw pocket door frame directly to the joists and save and inch or two.  

Low ceiling clearance non load-bearing door opening question
I recently read that it's a Segulah (others put it as a minhag) for a pregnant woman to bite off the Pitum of the esrog on Hoshana Rabbah for an easy labor.

(please correct me if I misunderstood it)

What is the connection between biting off the pitum and childbirth?



I read in the Halacha For Today email for Wednesday, 21 Tishrei 5772 (October 19, 2011). The original email read:


  It is a Segulah for pregnant women to bite off the Pitum of the Esrog on Hoshana Rabbah, and to give Tzedakah and daven for an easy labor. (See Likutei Maharich Sukkos page 106a. See also Elef Hamagen Siman 660:6 and Sefer Moed L'Kol Chai Siman 24:25 where a special Tefilah text is printed for the woman to say)

