Welcoming Babies Into Our Jewish Communities
Jewish Baby Naming Rituals
While there is no commandment in the Torah to officially welcome a baby girl into the Jewish community, a Simchat Bat (The Joy of a Daughter) has become a popular and meaningful ritual for many families. The parents may explain to those gathered why they have chosen their child’s Hebrew name. Perhaps they are honoring a beloved family member who has passed away or selected the name of a biblical character they admire. The ceremony may include blessings not only by the rabbi, but the parents, grandparents, or older siblings as well. For example: “May you grow to be a strong woman, one educated in Torah, justice, and loving kindness. May you be grounded in this world with your eyes lifted toward the heavens. May you always be sensitive to the needs of your family, friends, community, and world around you.”
The commandment of Brit Milah – to circumcise male children – is found in the Book of Genesis. God says to Abraham, “… Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days…” (Chapter 17:10-12). The actual procedure of removing the baby’s foreskin is performed by a trained mohel. Various blessings are recited including those over wine and bread, and some additional prayers and readings may be offered by family members to officially welcome the child into the Jewish community. As is the case with other joyful Jewish celebrations, the Brit Milah and Simchat Bat ceremonies are usually followed by a celebratory meal.
While a Brit Milah or Simchat Bat may take place in a synagogue, it is common these days to hold such ceremonies in private homes, parks or perhaps a beach. Computer and phone apps make it easy to include family members who live far away. These beautiful rituals allow families to make a commitment to raise their child in a Jewish environment, instill in them a love of Judaism and Torah, and pass down their Jewish heritage l‘dor va-dor, from one generation to the next.