1. Jewish Life-Cycle Rituals

2. Brit Milah or Bris Occurs 8 days after the birth of a son.
The rite of circumcision is performed in a synagogue or in a family home.
A brit milah or bris initiates the infant into the people of the covenant.
The circumcision is a bodily sign of this enduring covenant.
A mohel (doctor who performs the circumcision), parents, godparents, and other family and friends are present.
The baby boy is given a Hebrew name.

3. Betrothal and Marriage
Marriage is strongly encouraged in Judaism.
A marriage contract is prepared before a wedding to ensure that the husband fulfills his obligations to his wife.
The marriage ceremony includes:
1. A ring: symbolizes the marriage.
2. Blessings: recited under a canopy.
3. Recitation of the seven blessings for marriage.

4. Death
When someone dies, mourners gather at one home and receive visitors at certain times during the day.
Neighbours often bring food for the grieving family.
When a parent dies, a son or a daughter will recite the kaddish, a special prayer of sanctification.
The kaddish is recited in the synagogue each morning and each evening for 11 months after the death.

5. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bar mitzvah means “son of the commandment.”
“Bar” means son and “Bat” means daughter.
It is a coming of age ceremony that is celebrated at age 13 for Jewish boys and at age 12 for Jewish girls.
It recognizes that the boy or girl is an adult and responsible for his or her religious training.

6. What to Expect When Attending a Bar or Bat Mitzvah