Birth

When a child is born, it is important that parents be given an opportunity to give thanks to God and to seek God’s guidance in the upbringing of the child.  In Liberal Judaism, Jewish status can be transmitted through either a Jewish father or mother.  For specific information and guidance about Jewish status, please contact Rabbi Neil Janes.

For some there may be difficulties conceiving or complications during pregnancy or after the birth.  In addition to the medical care available if you would like to talk through any concerns or worries then please contact Rabbi Neil Janes on 020 8 446 4063.

Being a parent of a child and deciding to raise them as Jews is a wonderful opportunity to share in the rich heritage, wisdom and beauty of an ancient faith.  Mixed faith families often struggle with the decision of how to raise their children and Rabbi Janes is happy to help you talk through issues and possibilities.  In addition, it should be noted that today families do not all look the same with a father, mother and child.  We welcome and support all families,  such as those with same sex parents, mixed faith or single parents.  Please call us to find out more.

Brit Milah (circumcision)

Initiating a girl into the covenant

Baby Blessing/Thanksgiving

What to do next

Brit Milah (The Covenant of Circumcision)

The circumcision of a baby boy symbolises God's covenant with the Jewish people. A Brit Milah is normally performed on the eighth day after the child's birth, even if it falls on Shabbat or a holiday, by a Mohel/et (circumciser), who has been specially trained in the traditional Jewish way of doing it. Postponements are permitted (required), however, if the health of the child warrants.

The decision to have your son circumcised is often accompanied with anxiety.  If you would like to talk anything through, please contact Rabbi Neil Janes on 020 8446 4063.  For details of registered members of the Association of Liberal and Reform Mohalim, please contact the Synagogue office on the same number.

Initiating a girl into the covenant

Throughout history, women have played their part in transmitting Jewish heritage from generation to generation. Baby girls are initiated into the covenant in a ceremony written specifically for the occasion. The purpose of the readings and prayers is to seek God's blessing and to pray for her future happiness.  If you would like one of these ceremonies, please contact Rabbi Neil Janes on the number above.

Baby Blessing/Thanksgiving

This ceremony is usually performed as part of a Shabbat morning Service. It enables parents to thank God for the safe delivery of their child together with relatives and friends and allows members of our community to share this unrepeatable moment and welcome the child into the community.  This is done by arrangement with Rabbi Janes.

Many parents follow the ancient custom of giving a child a ‘Hebrew’ name. Rabbi Janes is always glad to help parents find appropriate Hebrew equivalents for names, or to find out the meaning and English equivalents of Yiddish or Hebrew names traditional in their family.

In our community, both parents are invited to be on the bimah (the raised platform in the synagogue) regardless of whether they are both Jewish.  No-one else can fulfil the greatly honoured position of being the father or mother of a child committed to raising them as Jews.

What to do next: