Birth

The Jewish rituals surrounding birth provide context and deeper meaning to this awesome moment in the life of a family and of the community. At Temple Beth Shalom, we provide the opportunity for both members and non-members to celebrate the arrival of a new child.

For our temple members, naming and blessing for a child is available either in the home of the new parents or with the community at a Shabbat service. We also are pleased to offer naming and blessing for non-members, which may take place at the temple, in clergy offices or during a Shabbat service.

There is no fee for a baby-naming ceremony; however, if the family is renting the temple sanctuary or social hall for a naming and celebration there may be associated charges. 

Rituals for the welcoming of new life are performed in an inclusive style, including meaningful blessings and music. Ceremonies are customized as much as possible to meet the needs of every family with due regard for tradition.

Rabbis are available for consultation on the selection of a name, contact information for a moyel, and planning for the baby naming ceremony. Contact us for more information.

B'rit Bat: Ceremony for Welcoming a Baby Girl

Ceremonies that celebrate the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant of the Jewish people are known by a variety of names, including b'rit bat and b'rit chayim. They are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our daughters and are an important part of liberal Judaism's egalitarian approach to Jewish tradition.

B'rit Milah: The Circumcision Ritual

B'rit milah, (literally, "covenant of circumcision"), also called a bris, refers to a religious ritual through which male babies are formally welcomed into the Jewish people.