The birth of a child is the first simcha in the Jewish life cycle.
It is an occasion to be celebrated and shared with our congregation, family, and friends. Please be in touch with the rabbi so that we may help you plan the brit and naming.
Traditional Jewish practice suggests that a newborn child be given the name of a worthy person, often a beloved family member. Ashkenazi Jews (those of German and Eastern European background) typically name after someone who is deceased. Jews of Sephardic (Spanish, Portuguese, North African) origin have no objection to naming a child after a living person. Members of our congregation may follow whichever practice they prefer.
Jewish children are typically given a Hebrew as well as an English name. The Hebrew name is often announced in the synagogue, during a ceremony when the child also receives a special blessing. If you choose, our rabbi can assist you in choosing your child’s name.
In our congregation, a blessing and public naming of the child may occur as soon as the first Shabbat service after the birth when both parents are able to be present. Please plan this with our rabbi. Many families want to share this happy occasion with the entire congregation. Accordingly, parents, grandparents, relatives, or friends may sponsor the oneg Shabbat on that evening if they so desire.
The Hebrew term brit means covenant. We welcome baby boys and girls into the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Often, the baby naming happens as part of the brit ceremony.
The Hebrew term brit milah means the covenant of circumcision. The brit milah is typically performed on the eighth day after the birth of a son, symbolizing his participation in the covenant. Postponement of the circumcision beyond the eighth day is permitted if the health of the child would otherwise be endangered. While the parents are commanded to perform the circumcision, they traditionally appoint a mohel, a Jew who is specially trained to perform the circumcision within the proper religious context. (Many mohelim are also doctors.) The brit milah may take place in the synagogue, at home, or in the hospital. This joyous occasion affords the parents an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.
The Hebrew term brit chayyim means the covenant of life. Liberal Jews have developed ceremonies to welcome baby girls into the covenant on the eighth day. Sometimes also known as brit bat, (the covenant of the daughter), the brit chayyim ceremony incorporates many of the religious aspects of the brit milah service.
Adoption of a child is an occasion to be celebrated with your congregation, family and friends. Please consult with the rabbi for planning Baby Naming, Brit Milah and Brit Chayyim and other appropriate rituals.