November 2013

Simchat Bat (Baby Naming for Girls)

Girls are also brought into our covenant with the Divine when they are babies. Although the preference for a ceremony marking this may vary from family to family, here at Temple B’nai Torah we accommodate two types of ceremony.

One such ceremony may involve blessings by the parents thanking God for a safe delivery, for a healthy child, asking for help in raising the child, and promising to raise her as a Jew. Other family members may wish to give blessings or say something, godparents may be honored with holding the baby, or may give a blessing. The child’s name is announced, with some explanation of who she was named for or what the significance is of the name. The Rabbi will bless the child, using a naming ceremony for girls which has all the same blessings and readings for a girl as for a boy, minus the blessing of milah (circumcision) itself, and then there may be a reception.

More simply, the child can be brought to the Temple on Shabbat and be named by the Rabbi on the bimah during services, which is a nice way of making this personal family event a celebration for the community and a chance for the congregation to welcome the newest member into the Jewish people.

In recent years, more and more couples are finding adoption as the pathway to creating a Jewish family. In many instances the baby’s birth mother is not Jewish, and the parents may be concerned about the baby’s Jewish status. If you are considering adoption, please contact Rabbi to discuss the appropriate way to welcome your newest family member into the convenant of the Jewish people.

The true blessing of community can be seen during our most profound lifecycle moments. This is most evident in the Jewish rituals surrounding death and mourning. The clergy of Temple B’nai Torah are available to counsel and help you each step of the way when you find yourself or a loved one at this stage of life.

The death of a loved one, whether sudden or the result of prolonged illness, is an emotional and difficult time for family and friends. It is important to know that you are not alone as you go through the process of preparing for the funeral and the period of mourning following the funeral.

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shivah (seven days of mourning). Rabbi and Cantor will instruct families on these and other rituals. They will also perform the funeral ceremony, and help families understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.

If someone in your family has died, you can reach a member of the clergy by calling the synagogue at 516-221-2370 and following the instructions to reach a member of the clergy in an emergency.

The clergy and trained lay leaders are available to conductminyanservices during the week ofshivah. The name of your loved one will be read before the recitation of Kaddish on Friday night and Shabbat morning during the period of shivah and sheloshim (the first 30 days of mourning).

It is possible to memorialize your loved one by purchasing a memorial plaque which will be lit on the anniversary of your loved one’s death and onYom Kippur. To arrange for a plaque, please call the main office.

Zichronah livrachah – May your loved one’s memory always be for a blessing.