Mazal Tov!
The birth of a baby is a most exciting and joyous time for parents, grandparents and wider family. Jewish tradition has a number of rituals to welcome a newborn. The shul office will be delighted to offer you support at this time.
For a baby girl
Choosing and naming a baby girl is a beautiful and meaningful opportunity. A baby girl is often given a Hebrew name in shul, in the Torah reading section on either Monday, Thursday or Shabbat mornings. A special blessing is said for the mother’s health, followed by the baby naming. A ceremony at home, called a Simchat bat ceremony, is another option. Please be in touch with the shul office to discuss when and how to name a newborn baby girl.
For a baby boy
The naming of a baby boy takes place during their Brit Milah or “Bris” (circumcision). Assuming there are no complications, this takes place on the eighth day after birth. This can take place either in a home, at shul, or at a location to suit your family. The ceremony is often followed by a celebratory meal which includes a special addition to bensching (blessing after a meal).
The Brit Milah is performed by a mohel. We recommend mohalim (plural of mohel) professionally trained and licensed by the Initiation Society. Detailed information about the Brit Milah and how to organise it can be found on the Initiation Society’s What is a Brit Milah webpage. If you would like to book the shul for your son’s Brit Milah, please speak to the shul office.
A first born male (not a Kohen or Levi) who was born in certain specific circumstances should have a Pidyon HaBen (Redeeming the Son) ceremony. This is where the father of the baby ‘redeems’ his son from an obligation to work in the Temple, by giving a Kohen five ‘silver coins’ – usually this is given in an equivalent modern currency. Please speak to the shul office to find out if your son qualifies for a Pidyon HaBen.
Don’t forget join your baby up to Tribe, the United Synagogue’s Young People’s Department, so that you can also receive a baby gift pack here.