If you are on this page because you have a new baby in your family, Mazal Tov (congratulations)!
Celebration and Naming for Newborn Girls
For girls, we celebrate in one of two ways. Some celebrate by coming to the synagogue on a Saturday morning, for a blessing and public naming as the Torah is read, and some hold a separate ceremony called Simchat Bat (“celebration of a daughter”) at home or any other place. Contact Rabbi Jon to learn more about these rituals or to plan together.
Brit Milah for Newborn Boys
For boys, the ancient Jewish ritual of Brit Milah (“Covenant of Circumcision”, also called bris) welcomes the new baby into the covenant of the Jewish people. It takes place on the eighth day of life. In the Torah, this is the oldest Jewish practice, dating back to Avraham and Sarah.
In our community, Alan Green is the Mohel, the person who organizes the Brit Milah and performs the circumcision. Rabbi Jon also participates. Contact Alan directly to learn more about the ritual or to schedule a Brit Milah at (603) 440-3444. If you are anticipating the birth of a boy feel free to contact the Mohel in advance.
Pidyon Ha-Ben and Chanukkat Dor L’Dor
Pidyon Ha-Ben, “redeeming the first-born”, takes place on the thirtieth day of the life of a first-born boy. The Torah says that first-born belong to God, in recognition of the redemption from Egypt which saved their lives. So the practice is to “redeem” the boy from holy service in a fascinating ritual involving giving Israeli coins or silver dollars to a kohen, a Jew who is descended from Aharon the original High Priest.
The birth of a first child is not only about the child but also about the transition to parenthood and the creation of a household of present and future. Some people have extended the Pidyon Ha-Ben tradition to first-born girls by celebrating Chanukkat Dor L’Dor, “the dedication of generation-to-generation” or Chanukkat Ha-mishpacha, “the dedication of the family.” This ritual celebrates the transition
Contact Rabbi Jon to learn more or to plan for any of these rituals.