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.
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
Traditional liturgical poem (piyut) for welcoming the baby, also known as “Donash ben Labrat” in Ladino
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