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.
Traditionally, a cypress tree was planted when a daughter was born and a cedar for a son. Their branches were woven together to make the wedding canopy.
To recite when the baby is born or at the ceremony
Three categories of verses commonly recited at a naming ceremony
The traditional priestly blessing for a congregation, directed to the newborn
Grandparents blessing for a baby naming
The baby’s feet are washed in a number of ceremonies either as a symbol of covenant or as a symbol of welcome
A slightly longer version of the traditional blessing for welcoming a baby at a babynaming ceremony
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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