Life Cycle

Life Cycle Introduction

Brit Milah &
Simchat Brit

Consecration

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Confirmation

Marriage

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Conversion

Divorce

Death

Yizkor

Yahrzeit

Facility Usage
Brit Milah & Simchat Brit

Brit Milah - Welcoming a Boy into the Covenant
Brit Milah, the covenant of circumcision, was commanded by God to Abraham over 3,700 years ago. It has been carried out faithfully from generation to generation, even during times of religious and ethnic persecution when Jews were forced to practice their rituals in secret. In fact, the only time the Jewish people willingly desisted from this practice was during the 40 years of wandering in the Sinai wilderness. Before entering Canaan, every male was circumcised by Joshua.

The acceptance of this commandment, or Mitzvah, established an eternal bond between God and the Children of Israel. Its observance today is testimony to the continuity and strength of that relationship, which requires us to perform the Mitzvah with adherence to the laws and customs prescribed in the Torah and interpreted by our sages.

A brit milah ceremony takes place on the 8th day after birth (count the day of birth as day one, unless the baby was born after sundown). It can be held at the hospital, at home, or at Adat Shalom. The circumcision is performed by a mohel who is trained in the surgical procedures of Brit Milah. Our clergy will be happy to take part in the ceremony if requested.

Simchat Brit - Welcoming a Girl into the Covenant
Traditionally, the only rite recognizing the birth of a daughter is naming. However, over the past few decades ceremonies have been developed to welcome girls into the Jewish covenant. The Simchat Brit and baby naming can take place anytime, however many people do this on the eighth day also. It too can be held at home or at Adat Shalom as a private ceremony or during a worship service.

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Brit Milah and Simchat Brit are more than ritual; more than symbol -- they are ceremonies that emphasize our belief that each Jew, from birth, must enter into an individual relationship with God, Torah, and the people of Israel.