Children

“All your children shall be taught of the Eternal One, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Is. 54:13)

The ceremonies that surround the birth of a child serve many purposes. They are the first in a series of lifetime rituals that can mark significant moments in their life and begin the journey of linking the child to their Jewish past and commit them to a Jewish future. Furthermore, they are a chance for the parents to thank God for their birth and reinforce the values that define their Judaism and Jewish life. Many ceremonies also provide a chance for the larger community to celebrate with the family.

Brit Milah (Circumcision)

The Brit Milah (circumcision) of a baby boy symbolises God’s covenant with the Jewish people.

Normally the Brit Milah takes place on the eighth day after the child’s birth, even if it falls on Shabbat or a holiday. Postponements are permitted if the health of the child warrants.

The original motivation for the Brit Milah ceremony is not known but it is especially associated with Abraham (Gen. 17:9-14) and Elijah (I Kings 19:14). For many Liberal Jews the observation of this practice is confirmation of a particularly ancient Jewish practice, deeply embedded in Jewish emotion. It is also the time when the child has his Hebrew name conferred on him.

To find out more click here to see our Brit Milah FAQ

Initiation of a Girl into the Covenant

Throughout history, women have played their part in transmitting Jewish heritage from generation to generation. But originally within Judaism there was no specific home celebration to welcome female infants into the covenant. Traditionally the fathers were given an Aliyah (the honour of reciting the blessing before and after a section of the weekly Torah portion was read) at the synagogue the first Shabbat after a girl was born. The child received her Hebrew name at the same time.

Over time Liberal congregations have created their own ceremonies for girls. Ceremonies that celebrate the birth of a daughter and her entry into the Covenant have been called many names, most popular is a ‘Brit-Bat’. They are a wonderful opportunity to thank God for the child and to celebrate her birth and recognise Liberal Judaism’s egalitarian approach to Jewish tradition. They can take place in the synagogue or at home.

Baby Blessings

This ceremony is usually performed as part of a Shabbat Service. It enables parents to thank God for the safe delivery of their child together with relatives and friends and allows members of Communities to share this unrepeatable moment and welcome the child into the community.

Many Liberal Jewish parents follow the ancient custom of giving a child a ‘Hebrew’ name. The Rabbis of Liberal Judaism are always glad to help parents find appropriate Hebrew equivalents for names, or to find out the meaning and English equivalents of Yiddish or Hebrew names traditional in their family.

Orthodox Jews still practice Pidyon ha-Ben (Redemption of the son), an ancient ritual that relates to passages in Torah (Ex. 13:2 and Num 3:11-13). Liberal Jews consider the ceremony no longer meaningful but many parents do mark the birth of a child with Tzedakah (charity).

Click here to see our Baby Blessing FAQ

Genetics Screening

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