Life Cycle Events

Brit Milah

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eight day of their lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Rabbi Kipnes and Rabbi Weisz 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. Rabbi Kipnes and Rabbi Weisz 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.

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, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah commits him/herself to proud membership in our ancient people.

Wedding

Rabbi Kipnes and Rabbi Weisz can help prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching the bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement), to Huppah (Marriage Canopy), to Nissuin (marriage ceremony), to breaking the glass. The Rabbis also counsel, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship. They work with the bride and groom in designing the ceremony, providing their knowledge and experience.

Funeral

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). Rabbi Kipnes and Rabbi Weisz will instruct families on these and other rituals. They will also perform the funeral ceremony, and help families understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.

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