Birth Ceremonies

Jewish boys are circumcised on the 8 th day after birth Ceremony is performed by a Mohel (trained Jew) Usually takes place in the Synagogue, but can also be done at home 2 names given at ceremony – Common name & formal name

Birth Ceremonies Cont. Circumcision serves 2 purposes: Physical sign of the covenant of the covenant between Abraham & God Constant reminder of religious heritage Girls given their names at a similar ceremony on the Sabbath shortly after birth Prayers said during ceremony ‘Even as this child has entered into the Covenant, so may he enter into the Torah, the marriage canopy and into good deeds.’ Prayers for health of baby & mother

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

When a boy turns 13, on the first Sabbath after his 13 th birthday, he celebrates his bar mitzvah, which means “son of the commandment.” He is now considered an adult in the Jewish faith. To prepare, the boy studies Hebrew, as he will chant a portion of the Torah in front of the congregation. He may also be required to write an essay explaining this excerpt. In Reform Judaism, a girl celebrates her bat mitzvah on the first Sabbath after her 12 th birthday (meaning “daughter of the commandment”). The bat mitzvah ceremony mirrors that of the bar mitzvah.

Marriage

Ceremony called Kiddhushin means to be holy Marriage instituted by God Must create a home where God dwells forever Ceremony takes place in the Synagogue under a canopy called a Chuppah – symbol of the couples home Ceremony led by Rabbi & Cantor Both drink blessed wine from a shared glass Ring given to the bride & makes a pledge of fidelity Glass is then taken and broken (by stomping on it) Symbolic of difficult times

Marriage Cont. Divorce Allowed under Jewish law, but is highly discouraged Friends & family try to get the couple to get through their difficulties If unable to settle their differences, husband gives wife a Get If get is not issued, the marriage has not been finalized Once Get is issued, each person is free to remarry in the Jewish religion

Death

Funerals take place soon after death Service very simple Cremation not allowed as man would be destroying what God made Body washed & wrapped in a white linen shroud (done by respected members of the community) Coffin is simple plain wood Members of the immediate family each shovel earth into the grave

Death Cont. Shiva – 7 day period of mourning following death Candle is lit at home after funeral service, symbolizes the soul of the deceased Small meal is eaten (meal of consolation), symbolizes the continuation of life Signs of grief Sit on low stools No leather shoes All mirrors covered

Death Cont. Visitors come to the house and recite the Kaddish or mourner’s prayer If it is a parent, the son/daughter says the Kaddish in the synagogue for the next year and on the anniversary of their death Also light a candle – soul is like a light set ablaze by God