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

A prayer in English and Yiddish to be recited on the occasion of a son’s bris

woman holding newborn baby

Awakening a child’s senses by anointing with oil and sharing inspirational verses

closeup baby face

Prayer for Jewish parents as they name, welcome, and make first decisions about gender for their child

Children joyfully blowing bubbles outdoors near a wooden fence, surrounded by trees.

Welcoming a baby girl while marking her with the letters of “Shadai” as a sign of the covenant

baby being tapped on nose

A blessing for a son, drawing inspiration from our forefathers

teenaged boy in cardigan, dress shirt, and tie

An upbeat and funky melody for this popular song from Pslam 133

A woman plays guitar in front of a collage, smiling. Text: Hinay Ma Tov, includes bonus music video DVD.

Invoking the prophetess Devorah and symbolically wrapping tzitzit to welcome a baby girl

Baby wearing a red dress and white headband lying on a plaid couch, looking toward the camera.

Recalls the concept of the Sheva Berakhot used in a wedding ceremony

newborn girl

Excerpt from an original babynaming ceremony in which the baby is welcomed into the covenant by perfuming her ears with myrtle

face of newborn baby

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