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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:
Thu, December 7 2023
24 Kislev 5784
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
DecDecember 9 , 2023Light Up the Night: A Chanukah Campfire Havdallah
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 9th 5:30p to 8:00p
Beth El hosts a community Chanukah Campfire Havdallah! Join us for candle-lighting, a sing-a-long around the campfire, Chanukah treats, and more! Enjoy crafts and Chanukah fun with your Beth El family! Click in to register. -
Monday ,
DecDecember 11 , 2023Women's Network Chanukah Celebration
Monday, Dec 11th 6:00p to 8:00p
A celebration of Chanukah for the members of Beth El Temple's Women's Network. We will play games and eat latkes and other Chanukah treats. Guests may bring in cherished menorahs to show and share stories about, or may share stories about any special family traditions they may have that add to the joy and meaningfulness of this holiday. -
Wednesday ,
DecDecember 13 , 2023Hearing Men's Voices - "The War in Gaza and its Impact on You"
Wednesday, Dec 13th 6:00p to 8:00p
Men's Club invites Beth El men to join together for a deli dinner, followed by a lively discussion about the impact of the war in Gaza on each of us. Hearing Men’s Voices (HMV) is a unique program that engages Jewish men in Jewish life, enabling deeper connections and better relationships among our members. Trained leaders facilitate HMV sessions encouraging men to talk and engage in rich and meaningful dialogues about common issues using materials developed by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC), themselves, and other clubs and leaders. Our discussion will center on the topic "The War in Gaza and Its Impact on You." We’ll share stories, get some advice, and primarily enjoy the fellowship of one another. So come to talk or listen or both, to eat, schmooze, and learn something. Click in for details on how to RSVP (required by Thursday, December 7). -
Friday ,
DecDecember 15 , 2023Congregational Dinner Welcoming Rabbi Rachel Zerin
Friday, Dec 15th 7:00p to 9:00p
Please join us for a Shabbat of Light! We'll formally welcome Rabbi Rachel Zerin with a special Kabbalat Shabbat followed by congregational dinner with Rabbi Zerin's favorite -- Chinese food! Click in to register. -
Tuesday ,
DecDecember 19 , 2023Just for Teens: Let's Talk About Israel
Tuesday, Dec 19th 6:30p to 8:00p
A chance for 8th-12th graders to share what’s on their minds about Israel, ask questions, and share experiences of what it's like to be Jewish in America since October 7th. Facilitated by Rabbi Zerin and Dr. Eliyahu.