Baby Namings
Celebrating the birth of a baby with a Naming ritual is a beautiful and inclusive way to mark their entrance into the Jewish community.
"Through the act of naming, we affirm the deep connection between our faith and our future, passing down our values and heritage to the next generation with love and hope."
(Rabbi Rachel Cowan)
Receiving a Hebrew Name
During the ritual, your baby will formally receive their Hebrew name. The name could be one that is similar to their English name or have a similar starting sound. Some families choose to pick a name that has special meaning to them.
Ashkenazic Jews (from Europe) typically choose a name that honors a deceased family member, while Sephardic Jews (from Spain and the Middle East) often name their children after living relatives.
Parents are offered an opportunity during the ceremony to explain the significance of the name they’ve chosen for their child.
WHAT is it?
The Naming ceremony is a brief ritual symbolically welcoming a new child into the “covenant” of the Jewish People. From time to time, a Naming ceremony is held for an older child or even an adult who was not named when they were younger.
For a girl, “Simchat Bat” (lit., Celebration of a Girl), or “Brit Milah” (circumcision) for a boy, include generally the same prayers and readings. Brit Milah is traditionally accompanied by a surgical procedure performed by a trained professional (a doctor, in the Reform Movement) who acts as the “Mohel/Mohelet,” the ritual circumciser. The decision to include circumcision is left to the parents (N.B., I am not trained to perform this surgical procedure, but am happy to share the ritual with a mohel/mohelet if you wish.)
WHEN is it?
Traditionally, a Brit Milah and naming ritual for a boy takes place on the 8th day of life, but can be delayed is family circumstances require it. Circumcision can also be delayed on advice of a doctor. (N.B., The choice to circumcise is entirely your own. If you choose to include ritual circumcision, please notify your healthcare team so your baby is NOT de facto circumcised in the hospital when they are born.)
Baby namings for girls can occur at any time, although they are usually done in the first few weeks of the baby's life.
A naming ritual can take place on any day of the week, including Shabbat.
WHERE is it?
For the sake of cleanliness and general safety, a circumcision is typically done in the hospital, in a private home, or at a synagogue. However, if no circumcision is to be performed, baby namings can take place anywhere you’d like. Often, the ceremony is held in the family home, but could also be held at a restaurant, hall, a synagogue, a park, at the beach, or really anywhere you’d like.
Planning:
1) Together, we will select a Hebrew name that conveys meaning and/or a connection to your family’s Jewish heritage.
2) With your input, I will create a personalized and meaningful ceremony that reflects your family's values and traditions.
3) We’ll discuss the participation of family members and friends who you’d like to offer readings, blessings, etc.
4) You will be offered opportunities to incorporate meaningful family symbols and ritual objects into the ceremony.
5) If appropriate, I will also create a special moment for older siblings to honor them in their role as “big” to this precious young life.
The Ceremony:
During the ritual, I will offer blessings, readings, and poetry that recognize your child's entry into the covenant with God as well as prayers for their health, long life, and the perpetuation of the Jewish People.
My goal is to make this occasion memorable, filled with love, and a true expression of your personal connection to Judaism.
I strive to create a beautiful, meaningful celebration and wonderful memories for your family, your child, and you.
After the Ceremony:
Celebrate with family and friends, knowing that you've given your child a beautiful and heartfelt welcome into the Jewish community.
