Life Cycles

Life Cycle Events

Jewish tradition marks life not only through daily practice, but through the milestones that shape who we become. At Temple Beth El, these moments are shared with community, guided by Jewish tradition, and shaped by the people experiencing them.

From welcoming a new child to celebrating a wedding, from coming of age to remembering loved ones, the synagogue is here as a place of support, meaning, and connection. Our clergy work closely with families to help each milestone feel personal while rooted in Jewish life.

We welcome individuals and families of many backgrounds and identities. Ritual language and ceremony can be adapted to reflect tradition, contemporary expression, and the values that matter most to you.

Birth

Welcoming a Child

B’rit Milah

The birth of a child is one of life’s great joys. In Jewish tradition, the arrival of a baby boy is marked through b’rit milah, the covenant of circumcision and naming.

The ceremony is traditionally held on the eighth day after birth, following the custom described in Genesis. If medical circumstances require waiting, the ceremony can simply be scheduled when it is safe to do so.

A trained mohel, often a physician or medical professional with specialized ritual training, performs the circumcision. During the ceremony the rabbi offers blessings and helps guide the naming of the child.

Many families choose to hold the gathering at home, often followed by a small celebratory meal, though ceremonies may also take place at the synagogue or another location.

Our clergy are happy to help families plan a ceremony that feels meaningful and comfortable.

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B’rit Bat

A newborn daughter is welcomed into Jewish life through a naming ceremony that celebrates her arrival and introduces her Hebrew name to the community.

These ceremonies are often held during a regular synagogue service so the congregation can share in the moment, though they may also take place privately with family and friends.

Families typically hold the ceremony within the first few weeks or months after birth, depending on what feels right for them.

Jewish naming traditions vary among communities:

Ashkenazi families often name children after relatives who have passed away.
Sephardic families frequently name children after living relatives.

If you are exploring Hebrew names or family traditions, the rabbi can help guide the process and discuss options.

B'nai Mitzvah

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Turning thirteen marks a significant step in Jewish life. At this age, a young person accepts new responsibility for Jewish learning, practice, and community.

At Temple Beth El, preparation for B’nai Mitzvah grows out of a child’s ongoing Jewish education. Students study Hebrew, prayer, Torah reading, and Jewish values while developing the confidence to lead parts of the service.

Approximately two years before the ceremony, families meet with the rabbi to select a date and begin planning the preparation process.

The journey includes:

Torah and Haftarah study
Leading prayers during the service
A mitzvah or service project
Time for reflection and personal growth

The B’nai Mitzvah celebration is both a family milestone and a moment the entire congregation celebrates together.

Weddings

A Jewish wedding brings together ancient ritual and personal commitment. At Temple Beth El, couples work with the rabbi to create a ceremony that reflects their relationship while honoring Jewish tradition.

The rabbi officiates weddings for synagogue members and their adult children who are active in Jewish life. Couples who are not yet members are encouraged to connect with the congregation and explore becoming part of the community.

Our congregation welcomes many kinds of couples, including interfaith and LGBTQ+ partners. Each wedding begins with a conversation about the couple’s story, hopes for the ceremony, and how Jewish traditions may be incorporated.

Elements commonly included in Jewish weddings include:

Chuppah – the canopy symbolizing the home a couple will build together
Ketubah – the written covenant of commitment
Seven blessings celebrating joy and partnership
Exchange of rings
Breaking the glass at the ceremony’s conclusion

Couples may incorporate these traditions in ways that feel authentic to them and accessible to all guests.

Jewish weddings traditionally do not take place on Shabbat or major Jewish holidays, so couples should consult with the rabbi early when choosing a date.

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Pre-Wedding Blessing (Aufruf)

Many couples choose to receive a special blessing during a Shabbat service shortly before their wedding. This tradition, called an aufruf, invites the couple to the bimah to be honored by the congregation.

Following the blessing, it is customary for the community to shower the couple with sweets as a symbol of wishing them a joyful life together.

Even couples marrying elsewhere are welcome to celebrate this moment with our congregation.

Funerals and Mourning

Jewish tradition places deep importance on honoring the deceased and supporting those who mourn.

When a death occurs, Temple Beth El helps families navigate both the practical arrangements and the spiritual traditions that accompany loss.

Whenever possible, burial takes place soon after death. Services may be held in the synagogue, at the graveside, or in a funeral chapel.

A Jewish funeral typically includes:

Psalms and readings
Eulogies remembering the life of the deceased
The prayer El Malei Rachamim
The Mourner’s Kaddish

Following the burial, families enter the period of shiva, the first week of mourning. During this time the community gathers for prayer, remembrance, and support.

Our clergy help families organize services and guide them through Jewish mourning traditions with care and sensitivity.

Life Cycles

Life Cycle Events

Welcoming a Child

B’rit Milah

B’rit Bat

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