Welcoming Children Into the Covenant of the Jewish People

Brit Milah – Covenant of Circumcision for boys

The Brit Milah (“covenant of circumcision”) refers to the religious ritual through which male babies are formally welcomed into the Jewish people. The ceremony is celebrated on the eighth day after birth.  The Brit may be held at home or, for babies of members of the congregation, may be held in the Temple. It is usually held during the morning or daylight hours. The circumcision is performed by a mohel who is trained in the surgical procedures of Brit Milah. Our clergy will be happy to take part in the ceremony if requested.  Our clergy will also be happy to recommend a mohel for your ceremony.

Simchat Bat/Brit Bat – Welcoming ceremony for girls

It is also customary to welcome girls into the community by giving them a Hebrew name and some choose to welcome them through rituals that welcome them into the covenant.  At Temple Isaiah one may choose to have a baby naming on Friday night.  This ceremony includes the entire family being called to stand in front of the open ark and receiving a blessing in addition to the giving of a name.

Some choose to have a more intimate ceremony in the home or in the temple in which rituals such as wrapping the child in a tallit or lighting two candles are included. 
These ceremonies are planned with the clergy.

*To schedule any of these ceremonies, please contact Gail Minkow at gail@templeisaiah.com or by calling 310-277-2772.

Suggested resources:

- "Celebrating your New Jewish Daughter" by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

- "The New Name Dictionary" by Alfred Kolatch