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Covenant & Naming Rituals

A couple lovingly gazes at their newborn baby, who is lying on a white blanket.

Historically, Jewish people have formally welcomed boys into the covenant with God, marking the occasion with celebration and circumcision. The birth of a girl was met with joy, but no ritual or communal celebration. We offer a variety of ways to formally welcome both girls and boys. You’ll also find naming rituals and blessings for parents, grandparents and children.

Latest Rituals

“In this moment, though, I felt triumphant. Not only had I given birth and become a mother in my late 40s, but I had figured out a way to truly honor my father’s memory and wishes…”
a small white kippah with white strings
A complete ritual for a family to bury the new child’s placenta under a plant in the garden.
People handling a potted plant with small succulents and gardening tools nearby.
“We have been waiting for you”
closeup of newborn white baby held by adult white hands
“How might we mark the moment of birth and coming into Jewish covenant without focusing on the gender and genitals of an infant?”
closeup of person's white hands holding white baby's small bare feet with dappled sunlight shining
“May you claim your ancient power”
brown skinned woman in black tank dress holding hands and dancing with two brown skinned girls by the ocean with water in the background and sunlight
“We praise you, Shekhinah, / who has given us life”
purple flowers with a banner reading brucha at bayta diamond
“We all have a name / given by the mountains we climb”
person standing on mountain in front of sea of clouds and sunshine
Baby naming tradition matching Hebrew letters of child’s name to biblical verses
A couple smiles at a sleeping baby wrapped in a white blanket with stars, standing together by a window.
“May you grow to be a strong woman”
Smiling couple standing close, holding their newborn baby together.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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The Reconstructionist Network