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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:
Sat, July 27 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
Upcoming Events
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Saturday ,
JulJuly 27 , 2024Shabbat Playgroup in the Park
Shabbat, Jul 27th 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! -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 28 , 2024Men's Club Outing to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Harrisburg Senators
Sunday, Jul 28th 12:00p to 4:00p
Back by popular demand! Come join the Men’s Club at Dunkin’ Donuts Park to see the Hartford Yard Goats play the Harrisburg Senators (the Washington Nationals AA minor league affiliate)! 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. You can go to this private section when you want to take a break from your field seats, get refreshments, and schmooze with others. Our group will be recognized at the game. There will be a shout out for the Beth El Men's Club! One of us will get to throw out a first pitch! There may be other surprises! 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. -
Wednesday ,
JulJuly 31 , 2024
Wednesday, Jul 31st 7:30p to 10:30p
Meet up with us at Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival for Hamlet! Click in for details. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 4 , 2024Red Cross Blood Drive
Sunday, Aug 4th 8:30a to 1:30p
You can make a lasting impact with an amazing mitzvot by helping the American Red Cross! Please help us make a difference by donating blood at Beth El Temple. Please call 1.800.733.2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter: WeHa to schedule your appointment. Volunteers are also needed for registration and snacks, please call the office to sign up to volunteer. You can also save up to 15 minutes on the day of your appointment, by simply visiting www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions. Everyday heroes like you can help save up to three lives with just one blood donation. Thank you for giving the gift of life. -
Friday ,
AugAugust 16 , 2024Shabbat Potluck
Friday, Aug 16th 5:30p to 7:30p
All are invited to join Beth El friends for a Shabbat Potluck Picnic! We'll meet at a fellow member's home to celebrate Shabbat with food, singing, and community. Bring a dairy/vegetarian dish to share (details in the registration). RSVPs are required. Click in to register!