Baby Naming/ Brit Milah
If you are expecting (or have just had) a boy, you may be considering a brit milah or bris ceremony for your son. This ritual, which usually occurs on the eighth day, includes the timeless ceremony of circumcision and formal entry into the covenant of the Jewish people. Usually, the Hebrew name is announced at this time as well, linking him both to his family and to the historic tradition of our people.
Rabbi Newman provides a personalized service on this momentous occasion in the life of a baby boy and his family. He give you contact information for mohalim (the specially-trained physician who can perform the circumcision and ceremony) in our area. Some families opt for a hospital circumcision and then a naming ceremony during a Shabbat Service.
We also encourage girls to also be welcomed into the covenant with a Brit Bat (a covenant ceremony for a daughter). Some families opt for a special blessing at our Friday Shabbat Services, where we invite babies and their parents to join us on the bimah to give the baby girl her Hebrew name and offer a blessing to her and her family.
Another alternative is to do a bris or baby naming in the home or at another location and have Rabbi Newman officiate and work with you to create a meaningful ceremony for your family.