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New Baby: Brit Milah & Baby Naming
Welcoming Your New Baby
Your Baby Boy: A Brit Milah
Brit Milah literally means "covenant of circumcision." It is a symbol of the everlasting covenant between God and the Jewish people, as stated by God to Abraham (Genesis, 17:10):
This is My covenant which you are to keep, between Me and you and your seed after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, so that it may serve as a sign of the covenant between Me and you.
When does the Brit Milah happen?
The Brit Milah is performed on the eighth day after the birth of a male child (it can be postponed for health reasons). In calculating the date, remember that the Jewish “day” starts at sundown; for example, a child born on Monday after sundown would have a Brit Milah on the following Tuesday.
How do I arrange a Brit Milah?
To arrange a Brit Milah, contact the Temple office and ask to speak to our rabbis. The rabbi will meet with the family, either in person or by phone, to discuss the details of the ceremony, which can take place at the synagogue or at home.
We have a list of approved mohalim (individuals trained to perform circumcisions). We also ask you to fill out a special form to make sure both the rabbi and the mohel have the information they need. Please return the form to the rabbi, who will work with you to set a time for the ceremony.
Celebrations for Interfaith Families
If the child is born to a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother who are committed to raising their child in the Jewish tradition, Brit Milah can take place on the eighth day with the intention of converting the child at the mikveh (ritual bath) at approximately three months of age. If the child is born to a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father, Brit Milah takes place on the eighth day and no conversion is necessary. In both of these cases the non-Jewish parent, grandparents and relatives are welcome to participate in the ceremony. Please consult with our rabbis for details.
If the child will not be converted, but Jewish grandparents wish to offer him a private ceremony of welcome into the Jewish people, please contact our rabbis.
For what to expect at a bris, check out this article.
For more information, please call our Executive Director at (860) 233-9696.
Your Baby Girl: A Simchat Bat
Traditionally, the birth of a baby girl is celebrated in a Simchat Bat, which means “rejoicing in a daughter.” Most often, the parents of the child receive an aliyah (Torah honor) in the synagogue on a Shabbat morning; the ceremony can also take place when the Torah is read on a Monday, Thursday or Rosh Chodesh (new month). A more intimate baby naming ceremony at the synagogue or in your home is also an option. This is called a Simchat Bat, which means "rejoicing in a daughter."
How Do I Arrange a Simchat Bat?
To arrange a baby naming, contact the Temple office and ask to speak to our rabbis. The rabbi will meet with the family, either in person or by phone, to discuss the details of the baby naming. You will be asked to fill out an informational form and the rabbi will coordinate with you to set a time.
Celebrations for Interfaith Families
If the child is born to a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother who are committed to raising their child in the Jewish tradition, the family should wait to schedule a baby naming until the child is converted at the mikveh (ritual bath) any time after three months of age. If the child is born to a Jewish mother and non-Jewish father, the baby naming can take place at any time and no conversion is necessary. In both of these cases the non-Jewish parent, grandparents and relatives are welcome to participate in the ceremony. Please consult with our rabbis for details.
If the child will not be converted, but Jewish grandparents wish to offer her a private ceremony of welcome into the Jewish people, please contact our rabbis.
For what to expect at a baby naming, check out this article.
For more information, or to arrange a Kiddush in celebration of the baby naming, please call our Executive Director at (860) 233-9696.
Forms:
Fri, June 9 2023
20 Sivan 5783
Upcoming Events
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Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Men's Club Outing to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 4:00p
Back by popular demand! Join the Men’s Club at Dunkin’ Donuts Park to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Somerset Patriots (the Yankees AA minor league affiliate)! It will be Jewish Heritage Day. Our seats, in the Hartford Terrace section along the first-base side, are in a shaded, private section. Your ticket will allow you free exclusive access to the Yard Goats Club, an air conditioned indoor section with great views of the game, comfortable seating, and higher-end food and liquor options not available at the general concession stands. And yes, fries, hot dogs, and beer are also available there. Kosher food will be available. You can go to this private section when you want to take a break from your field seats, get refreshments, and schmooze with others. Kids run the bases after the game! Tickets are limited, so you are urged to put in your RSVP as soon as possible. You may request to be seated with others who are placing their RSVP separately. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 11 , 2023Celebrate West Hartford
Sunday, Jun 11th 12:00p to 6:00p
Stop by our booth at Celebrate! West Hartford on the second day of the town's annual community festival. Say hello to our clergy and lay leaders, and share your enthusiasm for Beth El with the community. You don't want to miss our community art project! -
Friday ,
JunJune 16 , 2023Camp Send-off Shabbat Dinner
Friday, Jun 16th 7:00p to 9:00p
Celebrate our campers as we send them off to summer camp Beth El style! All are invited to join us for a special outdoor Shabbat service honoring our campers, followed by a BBQ dinner for all. Service and dinner will be held outdoors, weather permitting. This program is being underwritten by the Kest Family Fund. Click in to register! -
Saturday ,
JunJune 24 , 2023Shabbat Playgroup in the Park
Shabbat, Jun 24th 3:00p to 5:00p
Calling all 0-5 year olds and their grown-ups: come find your people at the park! Join Rabbi Zerin, Dr. Eliyahu, and your friends at Beth El for a relaxed Shabbat afternoon at Eisenhower Park. We will provide cold drinks and summer treats! Note: will be canceled in case of rain. RSVPs requested but not required. Click in to RSVP! -
Friday ,
JulJuly 14 , 2023Shabbat in the Park
Friday, Jul 14th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to Eisenhower Park for Shabbat in the Park! We invite you to bring a picnic for your family, and we'll bring the grape juice & challah! Meet by the playground to celebrate Shabbat with our Beth El community. Contact Jason Kay (engagement@bethelwh.org) with any questions. Click in to RSVP!