elcoming a child into your world (whether by birth or adoption) is one of life’s greatest joys, and Temple Emanu-El is ready to help you celebrate the transition to family life in a Jewish way.If you have a boy, a bris (or brit, the Hebrew word for “covenant,” here referring to the covenant of circumcision), customarily takes place on the eighth day after birth. A bris is a symbolic way of affirming the ancient relationship established between Abraham and his descendants, acknowledging that this child and his parents will be part of the continuity. Some families choose to have a Reform mohel (a physician who has been educated in the appropriate Jewish rituals) perform the procedure.
A bris may take place in your home or at the synagogue. Discussions about circumcision and conversion are important to developing the religious identity of an adoptive family. Please contact the rabbis and cantor to examine these issues in depth.
A baby naming may be celebrated at any time — although many families choose to hold it on the eighth day after birth, similar to a bris. Naming ceremonies may take place in your home or at the Temple, after scheduling a mutually convenient time for the family and the rabbi. A popular time is immediately after the Sabbath morning service, held in one of our beautiful sanctuaries. An adopted child also may be welcomed with a naming ceremony.
A festive meal often follows a welcoming ceremony. Questions about room availability and catering should be directed to our Events Coordinator.
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