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Cast of Characters Officiant: Mohel (Mohelet): |
Parent(s):
The happy celebrant or celebrants of the ceremony. Through this ritual, a parent fulfills the commandment to bring his or her son into the covenant of AbrahamAbraham is the first patriarch and the father of the Jewish people. He is the husband of Sarah and the father of Isaac and Ishmael. God's covenant - that we will be a great people and inherit the land of Israel - begins with Abraham and is marked by his circumcision, the first in Jewish history. His Hebrew name is Avraham..
Baby:
The new arrival!
Grandparents:
Parent(s) of the celebrant(s). They may be assigned a ritual role such as k’vater, k’vaterin, sandak, or sandakit.
Sandak:
The person who holds the baby during the circumcision. This is the most honored task at a circumcision, and is usually given to a grandparent, relative, or close family friend. The role of sandak corresponds to the title of “godfather,” though it may or may not indicate a sustained spiritual role in the child’s life. (In SephardicJews of Spanish descent; sometimes used to describe Jews of North-African and Middle-Eastern descent. The term also describes the customs and practices of these Jews, often in comparison to those of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews. tradition a sandekThe person given the honor of holding the child through the brit milah (ritual circumcision). This is the highest honor at a brit and is usually given to a grandfather or uncle or someone very close to the family. provided for a child’s religious education.)
Sandakit:
A female sandak, or godmother. While traditionally women did not perform this honored task, there is no reason why women cannot fulfill this role, and nowadays many do.
Kvaterin:
According to AshkenaziJew of Eastern European descent. The term also refers to the practices and customs associated with this community, often in contrast to Sephardic (Southern European) traditions. tradition, a woman who brings the child into the room during the ritual and hands him to the sandak. Sometimes performed together with a k’vater (traditionally, the k’vaterin took the baby from the mother and handed him to the k’vater, who handed him to the sandak). This honor is generally given to a relative or friend. The word means, literally, “godmother,” though the role is frequently ceremonial.
K’vater:
A man who brings the child into the room during the ritual and hands him to the sandak. Sometimes performed together with a k’vaterin. This honor is generally given to a relative or friend. Literally, “godfather.” (See k’vaterin.)
Setting
A special chair is placed in the center of the room and may be draped with a tallitA four-cornered garment to which ritual fringes (tzitzit/tzitzi'ot) are affixed. The knots in the fringes represent the name of God and remind us of God's commandments. The tallit is worn during prayer and can also be drawn about oneself or around the bride and groom to symbolize divine protection. or cloth of special significance to the parents. This is the chair of ElijahElijah is a biblical prophet who is said never to have died. There are therefore many legends associated with Elijah. In the Talmud, unresolved arguments will be resolved when Elijah comes. He will herald the coming of the messiah. In Jewish ritual, Elijah is a liminal figure, arriving at moments of danger and transition – at a brit milah, a chair is put out for him, a cup is poured for Elijah at the Passover seder, and he is invoked at havdalah. His Hebrew name is Eliyahu.: Elijah the prophet is said to attend every brit milahLit. Covenant of circumcision. As a sign of the covenant, God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants. An infant boy is circumcised on the eighth day of his life, often at home or in synagogue. A festive meal follows. as a sign that IsraelLit. ''the one who struggles with God.'' Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob's children, the Jewish people, become B'nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel. is still keeping its covenant with God. The cloth from this chair may later be used to make a wimpel(Yiddish) The belt tied around the Torah. In many German or Ashkenazi communities, a wimpel is made from the blanket which held a baby for his circumcision. (binder) for a TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general. scroll, or the baby may be wrapped in a special cloth that is later used for a wimpel. When the baby is brought into the room, he is placed briefly on this chair before being handed to the sandak or sandakit. There is a chair for the sandak or sandakit, and a table for the mohel‘s equipment and/or the circumcision itself if the baby is being circumcised at the ceremony. Chairs should be arranged for guests, though sometimes guests stand throughout the brief ceremony.
Act One: Welcome
Officiant:
בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא
Barukh ha-ba: Blessed is he who enters!
(The k’vater or k’vaterin carries the child into the room; participants in the gathering stand to welcome the baby as he enters.)
A blessing that parents may say to their son:
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May you live to see a world that you create, |
| —Berakhot 17a |
Placing the child on Elijah’s Chair:
Officiant or a participant may add:
The child is placed on the chair.
Officiant:
Elijah witnesses every entry into the covenant to remind us that every child has the potential to be the messiah. Within every child is a spark that can repair the world. At this moment, you are not yet named. We do not know who you will become. We place you, our son, on the throne of Elijah, praying that you will engage in acts of redemption through words and deeds that are unique to you. We pray for your health and happiness throughout your life.
Parents may add special blessings they wish for their child, and/or may invite grandparents, other guests, etc., to offer blessings for the baby’s future.
At the close of this segment, you may wish to sing a song. One beautiful song to use is “On Children” by Khalil Gibran.
Act II: Circumcision
Traditionally the circumcision ceremony is performed during the public covenanting ritual, and this is still how most rituals proceed. However, some families may wish to have the circumcision done privately so as not to celebrate while their child is experiencing pain. Also, some families have had to delay a circumcision due to a medical issue, or have entirely foregone circumcision, but want to welcome and name their baby. If the circumcision is taking place at this time, this section should be included; if not, this section should be omitted.
The mohel frequently takes an opportunity to address the gathering, telling them about the commandment of circumcision and reassuring them that the child is safe and will not experience extreme pain. Sometimes at this point the mohel asks a parent (traditionally the father) to officially appoint the mohel as the designated agent to circumcise the child. The mohel:
The Holy One of Blessing said to Abraham our father: Walk before me and be perfect. Behold, I am ready and prepared to perform the precept of circumcision that the blessed Creator commanded.
The mohel then prepares the baby for circumcision, and recites the following blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ עַל הַמִּילָה
Barukh atah Adonay eloheynu melekh ha-olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al ha-milah.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁתְנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶיהָ וְצִוָּתְנוּ עַל הַמִּילָה
Feminine: Brukhah at YahA name for God, as in "halleluyah" – praise God. Some people prefer this name for God as a non-gendered option. Eloheynu ruakhLit. Spirit. Some new versions of blessings call God "Spirit of the World" (Ruakh Ha’olam), rather than "King of the World" (Melekh Ha'olam). ha-olam asher kidshatnu b’mitzvoteha v’tzivatnu al ha-milah.
Blessed are You, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who has made us holy with Your commandments and commanded us concerning circumcision.
The parent or parents now recite the following blessing:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַכְנִיסוֹ בִּבְרִיתוֹ שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ
Barukh atah Adonai eloheynu melekh ha-olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hakhniso bivrito shel avraham avinu (v’sarahThe first matriarch, wife of Abraham, and mother of Isaac, whom she birthed at the age of 90. Sarah, in Rabbinic tradition, is considered holy, beautiful, and hospitable. Many prayers, particularly the Amidah (the central silent prayer), refer to God as Magen Avraham – protector of Abraham. Many Jews now add: pokehd or ezrat Sarah – guardian or helper of Sarah. imeinu).
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁתְנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶיהָ וְצִוָּתְנוּ לְהַכְנִיסוֹ בִּבְרִיתוֹ שֶׁל אַבְרָהָם אָבִינוּ
Feminine: Brukhah at Yah Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam asher kidshatnu b’mitzvoteha v’tzivatnu l’hakhniso bivrito shel avraham avinu (v’sarah imeinu).
Blessed are You, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who has made us holy with Your commandments and commanded us to bring our son into the covenant of Abraham our father (some add: and Sarah our mother).
The guests say “amen” to the blessing.
Everyone says:
אַמֵּן. כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנִּכְנַס שֶׁנִּכְנָס לַבְּרִית כֵּן יִכָּנֵס לְתוֹרָה וּלְאַהֲבָה וּלְמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים
K’shem shenikhnas la-brit, kein yikanes l’torah, u-li’ahavah u-l’ma’asim tovimLit. Good deeds. The traditional prayer for a newborn infant at his or her brit milah or baby naming concludes, "May s/he grow to Torah, to Chuppah, and to ma'asim tovim.".
Just as he has entered the covenant, so may he enter to the study of Torah, and love, and acts of lovingkindness.
Act III: Naming
Included here are three versions of this final section of the ceremony.
IIIA Traditional naming ceremony
While a parent or sandak holds the child, the officiant raises a cup of wine and recites the following kiddushThe prayer recited over wine on Shabbat, holidays, and other joyous occasions..
Officiant:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam borey p’ri ha-gafen.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵאת פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam boreit p’ri ha-gafen.
Blessed are you, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדֵּשׁ יְדִיד מִבֶּטֶן וְחֹק בִּשְׁאֵרוֹ שָׁם וְצֵאֵצְאַיו חָתַם בְּאוֹת בְּרִית קֹדֶשׁ. עַל כֵּן בִּשְׂכַר זֹאת אֵל חַי חֶלְקֵנוּ צוּרֵנוּ צַוֵּה לְהַצִּיל יְדִידוּת שְׁאֶרוֹ מִשַּׁחַת לְמַעַן בְּרִיתוֹ אֲשֶׁר שָׁם בִּבְשָׂרֵנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי כּוֹרֵת הַבְּרִית
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam, asher kidesh y’did mibeten, v’khok bish’eyro sam, v’tze’etzav hatam b’ot britLit. Covenant. Judaism is defined by the covenant - the contract between the Jewish people and God. God promises to make us abundant and to give us the land of Israel; we promise to obey God's commandments. This covenant begins with Abraham and is reiterated throughout the Torah. A brit milah, literally a covenant of circumcision, is often simply called a brit or bris. kodesh. Al keyn biskhar zot, el hai, helkeynu tzureynu, tzaveyh l’hatzil y’didut sh’eyro mishakhat l’ma’an brito asher sam bivsareynu. Barukh atah Adonay, koreyt ha-brit.
Blessed are you, God, guiding spirit of the universe, who sanctifies your beloved from the womb, and has placed your law in his body, and has marked this offspring with the sign of the holy covenant. For the merit of this covenant, living God, our portion, our rock, protect this beloved child from misfortune, for the sake of this covenant that You have placed in our flesh. Blessed are you, God, who establishes the covenant.
אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְאִמוֹתֵינוּ קַיֵּם אֶת הַיֶּלֶד הַזֵּה לְאָבִיו וּלְאִמוֹ וְיִקָּרֵא שְׁמוֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל _____ בֵּן ______. (יִשְׂמַח הָאָב בְּיוֹצֵא חֲלָצָיו וְתָגֵל אִמּוֹ בִּפְרִי בִטְנָה. כַּכָּתוּב: יִשְׂמַח אָבִיךָ וְאִמְּךָ וְתָגֵל יוֹלַדְתְּךָ) וְנֶאֱמַר: וְאַעֲבֹר עָלַיִךְ וָאֵרְאֵךְ מִתְבּוֹסֶסֶת בְּדָמַיִךְ וְאָמַר לָךְ בְּדָמַיִךְ חֲיִי. וְנֶאֱמַר: זָכָר לְעוֹלַם בְּרִיתוֹ, דָּבָר צִוָּה לְאֶלֶף דּוֹר. אֲשֶׁר כָּרַת אֶת אַבְרָהָם וּשְׁבוּעָתוֹ לְיִצְחָק וְיַעְמִידָה לְיַעֲקֹב לְחֹק לְיִשְׂרָאֵל בְּרִית עוֹלַם. וְנֶאֱמַר וַיַמַל אַבְרָהָם אֶתְ יִצְחַק בְּנוֹ בֵּן שְׁמֹנָת יַמִּים כְּאַשֵּׁר צִוָּה אֹתוֹ אֱלֹהִים. הוֹדוּ ליי כִּי טוֹב כִּי לְעוֹלַם חַסְדּוֹ.
Eloheynu v’elohey avoteynu v’imoteynu, kayem et ha-yeled ha-zeh l’aviv u-l’imo, v’yikarey sh’mo b’yisrael _____ ben_____. [Yismach ha’av b’yotzey halatzav, v’tagel imo bifri vitnah. Kakatuv: yismakh avikha v’imekha, v’tagel yoladtekha] V’ne’emar: va-avor alayikh va-er’ekh mitboseset b’damayikh, va-yomar lakh b’damayikh hayi, va-yomar lakh b’damayikh hayi. Vene’emar: zahar olam b’rito, davar tzivah l’elef dor. Asher karat et avraham, ush’vuato l’yitzhak, veya’amideha l’ya’akov l’khok, l’yisrael brit olam. V’ne’emar: vayamal avraham et yitzhak b’no, ben shmonat yamim, ka’asher tzivah oto elohim. Hodu l’Adonay ki tov, ki l’olam khasdo. Hodu l’Adonay ki tov, ki l’olam khasdo.
Our God and God of our ancestors, sustain this child for his father and mother, and may his name in Israel be called______, son of_____.
[Add if appropriate: May the father rejoice in the fruit of his loins, and the mother be glad in the fruit of her womb, as it is said; your father shall rejoice and the one who gave birth to you will be glad.]
It is written: I passed by you and saw you lying in your blood, and I said: In your blood, you shall live! In your blood, you shall live!
It is written: God remembers the covenant forever, the commandment for a thousand generations. God made it with Abraham, and promised it to IsaacAbraham and Sarah's much-longed-for son and the second Jewish patriarch. Isaac is nearly sacrificed by his father at God's command (Genesis 22). He is married to Rebecca and is the father of Esau and Jacob. His Hebrew name is Yitzchak., and made it a law for JacobLit. heel Jacob is the third patriarch, son of Isaac and Rebecca, and father to the twelve tribes of Israel. More than any of the other patriarchs, Jacob wrestles with God and evolves from a deceitful, deal-making young man to a mature, faithful partner to God. His Hebrew name is Yaakov., and an eternal covenant for Israel.
It is written: Abraham circumcised his son Isaac at the age of eight days as God had commanded him. Give thanks to God for God’s goodness—God’s love is forever!
_____ בֵּן ______ זֶה הַקָּטָן גָּדוֹל יִהְיֶה. כְּשֵׁם שֶׁנִּכְנַס שֶׁנִּכְנָס לַבְּרִית כֵּן יִכָּנֵס לְתוֹרָה לְחֻפָּה וּלְמַעֲשִׂים טוֹבִים.
_____, zeh ha-katan, gadol y’hiyeh. K’shem sheniknas-labrit, keyn yikanes l’torah, u-l’huppahMarriage canopy symbolizing the couple's new home. u-l’maasim tovim.
_______, this little child, may he become great. Just as he has entered into the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, the wedding canopy, and deeds of lovingkindness.
The officiant drinks some wine.
Parents may wish at this time to speak about the baby’s name, its meaning and origin, and about whom the child is named after, if anyone.
The parents also recite the Shehecheyanu, the prayer over joyful events:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה.
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam shehekheyanu v ‘kiy’manu v’higianu la-z’man ha-zeh.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָתְנוּ וְקִיְּמָתְנוּ וְהִגִּיעָתְנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruah ha-olam shehekheyanu v’kiy’matnu v’higiatnu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who keeps us in life, who sustains us, and who enables us to reach this season.
The following prayer may be recited by the parents:
May this child’s heart be open to Torah, to learn and to teach it, to guard and to keep it. God, may you give him length of days and years, a life of restraint from wrongdoing, a life of prosperity and honor, a life where you fulfill all the wishes of his heart for good.
The group responds: Amen. MazelGood fortune, luck, and the Hebrew sign of the Zodiac. tov.
IIIB. Naming Ceremony with Abbreviations and Additions
A reader recites:
When Israel stood to receive the Torah, the Holy One said to them: “I am prepared to give you My Torah. Present to Me good guarantors that you will observe and study the Torah and I shall give it to you.” They said: “Our ancestors are our guarantors.”
The Holy One said: “Your ancestors are not sufficient guarantors. Bring Me good guarantors, and I shall give you the Torah.”
They said: “Our prophets are our guarantors.”
The Holy One said: “The prophets are not sufficient guarantors. Bring Me good guarantors and I shall give you the Torah.”
They said: “Indeed, our children will be our guarantors.”
The Holy One said: “Your children are good guarantors. For their sake I give the Torah to you.”
While a parent or sandak holds the child, the officiant raises a cup of wine and recites the following:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam borey p’ri ha-gafen.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵאת פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam boreyt p’ri ha-gafen.
Blessed are you, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.
The gathering responds “Amen.”
Officiant:
Blessed are you, God, Source of Life, who sanctifies your beloved from the womb. For the merit of the covenant, living God, our portion, our rock, protect this beloved child from misfortune. Blessed are you, God, who establishes the covenant. Our God and God of our ancestors, sustain this child for his father and mother, and may his name in Israel be called______, son of_____.
[Add if appropriate: May the father rejoice in the fruit of his loins. And the mother be glad in the fruit of her womb, as it is said; your father shall rejoice and the one who gave birth to you will be glad.]
It is written: God remembers the covenant forever, the commandment for a thousand generations. God made it with Abraham, and promised it to Isaac, and made it a law for Jacob, and an eternal covenant for Israel.
_______, this little child, may he become great. Just as he has entered into the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, the wedding canopy, and deeds of lovingkindness.
The officiant drinks some wine.
Parents may wish at this time to speak about the baby’s name, its meaning and origin, and about whom the child is named after, if anyone. (See this guide to baby naming.)
Parents may also wish, at this time, to light a nerCandle neshamahSoul, a soul candle, representing the new soul of the baby. (See this candle lighting blessing for a new baby).
The parents also recite the Shehecheyanu, the prayer over joyful events:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה.
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam she-hekheyanu v ‘kiy’manu v’higianu la-z’man ha-zeh.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָתְנוּ וְקִיְּמָתְנוּ וְהִגִּיעָתְנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam she-hekheyatnu v’kiy’matnu v’higiatnu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, God, guiding spirit of the universe, who keeps us in life, who sustains us and who enables us to reach this season.
Parents or grandparents may conclude by blessing the child with the priestly blessing:
יְבָרֶכְךָ אֲדֹנָי וִישַׁמֶּרְךָ
יאר אֲדֹנָי פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחַנֵּךְ
יִשָּׂא אֲדֹנָי פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיַשֵּׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Y’varekhekha Adonay v’yishmarekha.
Ya’er Adonay panav eilekha v’y’chuneka.
Yisa Adonay panav eilekha v’yasem l’kha shalom.
IIIC. Alternative Naming
(This naming ritual for boys is based on a ceremony created by Rabbi Lenny Gordon and Dr. Lori Lefkovitz, using the pattern of the seven wedding blessings.)
Officiant, parents, relatives, and/or other participants may share in reciting the following blessings. During this ceremony, the baby may be wrapped in a tallit and/or held under a tallit stretched out to form a huppah. If your ceremony includes a circumcision and you wish to use these seven blessings, you may want to recite them prior to the circumcision [Act II], as an uncomfortable baby may have some difficulty getting through all seven.)
1. Kiddush (Holding cup of wine; this cup will be passed to everyone who recites a blessing)
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam borey p’ri ha-gafen.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵאת פָּרֵי הַגֶּפֶן
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam boreyt p’ri ha-gafen.
Blessed are you, Eternal our God, guiding spirit of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.
2. Blessing over Creation
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיֶה בִּדְבָרוֹֹ
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam she-ha-kol nih’yeh bidvaro.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיֶה בִּדְבָרָה.
Brukhah at Ya Eloheטnu ruaלh ha-olam she-ha-kol nih’yeh bidvarah.
Blessed are you, Eternal our God, guiding spirit of the universe, for everything came into being according to your word.
3. Blessing over Humanity
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם יוֹצֵר הָאָדָם
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-ol am, yotzer ha-adam.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם יוֹצֶרֶת הָאָדָם
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam yotzeret ha-adam.
Blessed are you, Eternal our God, guiding spirit of the universe, creator of human beings.
4. Blessing over Human Creative Potential
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר יָצַר אֶת הָאָדָם בְּצַלְמוֹ בְּצֶלֶם דְּמוּת תַּבְנִיתוֹ וְהִתקִין לוֹ מִמְנוֹ בִּנְיָן עֲדֵי עַד. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם יוֹצֵר הָאָדָם
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam, asher yatzar et ha-adam b’tzalmo, b’tzelem dmut tavnito, v’hitkin lo mimenu binyan adey ad. Barukh atah Adonay, yotzer ha-adam.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר יָצְרָה אֶת הָאָדָם בְּצָלְמַה בְּצֶלֶם דְּמוּת תַּבְנִיתָהּ וְהִתקִינָה לָהּ מִמֶּנָּה בִּנְיָן עֲדֵי עַד. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם יוֹצֶרֶת הָאָדָם
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam, asher yatzrah et ha-adam b’tzalmah, b’tzelem dmut tavnitah, v’hitkina lah mimena binyan adey ad. Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam yotzeret ha-adam.
Blessed are you, Eternal our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who created the human being in your image and in your likeness, and fashioned out of the being of humans a structure for eternity. Blessed are you, God, creator of human beings.
5. Blessing over this Child
אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וְאִמוֹתֵינוּ קַיֵּם אֶת הַיֶּלֶד הַזֵּה לְאָבִיו וּלְאִמוֹ וְיִקָּרֵא שְׁמוֹ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל ________בן ______________. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ כּוֹרֵת הַבְּרִית.
Eloheynu v’elohey avoteynu v’imoteynu, kayem et ha-yeled ha-zeh (l’aviv u-l’imo), v’yikarey shmo b’yisrael _____ ben ____________. Barukh atah Adonay, koreit ha-brit.
Our God and God of our fathers and mothers, sustain this child (for his father and mother). May his name in Israel be called _____ son of ______. Blessed are you, God, who establishes the covenant.
6. Blessing Over Seeing a Beautiful Sight
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁכָּכָה בְּעוֹלָמוֹ
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu me lekh ha-olam she-kacha lo b’olamo.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁכָּכָה בְּעוֹלָמָהּ
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam she-kacha lo b’olamah.
Blessed are you, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who has put such a beautiful thing in the world.
7. Blessing Over Joyful Occasions
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה.
Barukh atah Adonay Eloheynu melekh ha-olam she-hekheyanu v ‘kiy’manu v’higianu la-z’man ha-zeh.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָתְנוּ וְקִיְּמָתְנוּ וְהִגִּיעָתְנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה
Brukhah at Ya Eloheynu ruakh ha-olam she-hekheyatnu v’kiy’matnu v’higiatnu la-z’man ha-zeh.
Blessed are You, our God, guiding spirit of the universe, who keeps us in life, who sustains us and w ho enables us to reach this season.
Those who have recited blessings drink wine or grape juice.
Parents may wish at this time to speak about the baby’s name, its meaning and origin, and about whom the child is named after, if anyone.
Parents or grandparents may conclude by blessing the child with the priestly blessing:
Y’varekhekha Adonay v’yishmarekha.
Ya’er Adonay panav eilekha v’y’chuneka.
Yisa Adonay panav eilekha v’yasem l’kha shalom.
May God bless you and keep you. May God shine the Divine countenance on you and be gracious to you.
May God turn God’s face to you and give you peace.
