Birth

Rituals performed near the time of birth welcome the child into the community and help parents contextualize this momentous event in their lives. Parents of girls celebrate by naming their daughter in the context of a synagogue Torah service or with a Simhat Bat celebration. Parents of boys celebrate with a brit milah, a ritual circumcision affirming the boy's place in the Covenant of Abraham, on the eighth day after birth, health permitting. Either is followed by a ceremonial, celebratory meal and may be held at the synagogue or at another venue.

 

Our rabbi welcomes conversations with all prospective and new parents, including interfaith families, single parents, adoptive parents and gay and lesbian couples, as they engage with emotional and practical issues around Jewish birth ceremonies. Any mohel he recommends will be sensitive to family dynamics. Please contact our rabbi directly to speak about adapting the ceremony for your family, finding a mohel in the Berkshires or holding your celebration at Knesset Israel.

 

For more information about the rituals themselves, please see www.myjewishlearning.com.