Jewish Milestones

Birth Ceremonies

Birth CeremoniesJewish boys are circumcised on the 8th day

after birthCeremony is performed by a Mohel (trained

Jew)Usually takes place in the Synagogue, but

can also be done at home2 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

Bar/Bat MitzvahWhen a boy turns 13, on the first Sabbath after his 13th

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 12th birthday (meaning “daughter of the commandment”).

The bat mitzvah ceremony mirrors that of the bar mitzvah.

Marriage

Marriage

MarriageCeremony called Kiddhushin means to be holyMarriage 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

DeathFunerals take place soon after deathService very simpleCremation not allowed as man would be

destroying what God madeBody washed & wrapped in a white linen

shroud (done by respected members of the community)

Coffin is simple plain woodMembers of the immediate family each shovel

earth into the grave

Death Cont.Shiva – 7 day period of mourning following

deathCandle is lit at home after funeral service,

symbolizes the soul of the deceasedSmall meal is eaten (meal of consolation),

symbolizes the continuation of lifeSigns 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 prayerIf 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