Brit Milah
The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eighth day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Our rabbi can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser), help the parents understand the ceremony, and co-officiate, along with the Mohel.
Baby Naming/Simchat Bat
We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. Our rabbi can help you think through and design this ceremony, which can take place either at home, or at the synagogue, on a Shabbat, or any day the Torah is read (Monday, Thursday, Festivals, Rosh Chodesh).
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to proud membership in our ancient people.
Wedding
Our rabbi is readily available to help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from the Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement), to Huppah (Marriage Canopy), to Nissuin (marriage ceremony), to breaking the glass. We also provide counseling services, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship. The Temple will also work with you in designing a unique, personal ceremony, providing you with the best of our knowledge and experience.
Funerals
Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial), and Shivah (seven days of mourning). Our rabbi will instruct you on these and other rituals. We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.