Life Cycle Events

Contact the temple office for a list of rabbis who can officiate.

Brit Milah/Circumcision

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eighth day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant.

Baby Naming/Simchat Bat

We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. This ceremony can take place either at home or at the synagogue, on a Shabbat, or any day the Torah is read.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to be proud membership in our ancient people.

Wedding

The temple maintains a list of rabbis who can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass.  The rabbi will counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship.  The officiant can work with you in designing the ceremony, providing our knowledge and experience.

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). The officiant will instruct you on these and other rituals.  He or she can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.

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