Category: Birth & Circumcision

From When A Jew Celebrates Pages 20 -22 On the eighth day after birth, Jewish boys are circumcised. According to the Torah, this ceremony began with Abraham. Jews made circumcision a special mitzvah, a commandment. Just as Jews took ancient harvest festivals and gave them special religious meaning, so they changed the ancient custom of circumcision and made it a special mark of the Jewish male. Nor have the Jews ever doubted the importance of circumcision. The ceremony of circumcision is called Berit Milah, from berit meaning “covenant”, and milah “circumcision”. According to tradition it must take place on the eight day after birth. It can be delayed only if the baby is to weak. In fact, the date is considered so important that it take place even if the eight day falls on Shabbath or Yom Kippur. The circumcision my take place in the hospital, in the synagogue, or at home. Nevertheless, some Jews have it done on any day before the baby leaves the hospital. Circumcision is a minor operation. It is done by a man called – a Mohel – who has been trained in this procedure. It is some times done by a Jewish surgeon, a rabbi present. A traditional Berit Milah involves the whole family, but four people are most important -in addition to the baby. Three of the four are physically present at the ceremony- the godmother the godfather, and the Mohel. The fourth, the prophet Elijah, is there in spirit. At a traditional Berit Milah there is even an empty chair left for Elijah. More on teachings Jewish children Historic Rituals for Welcoming Jewish Daughters

From When A Jew Celebrates The Talmud teaches: Many coins are stamped from the same mold, and every coin is exactly the same. But Elohimאֱלֹהִיםromanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator. For more info click here has stamped many people from the same mold ( the mold of Eveחַוָּה(/ˈiːv/; Modern: Ḥava “living one” or “source of life” as it is phonetically similar to “ḥāyâ”, “to live”, from the Semitic root ḥyw. For more info click here And Adamאָדָם‎Transliteration: ‘āḏām Pronunciation: aw-dam’ man, human beingman, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT) Adam, first man city in Jordan valley For more info click here), yet not one person is like another. Therefore, one must say, “for my sake was the world created’. The arrival of a new life is an awe-inspiring miracle that is worth celebrating, especially when it comes to children. While animals can also give birth, only human beings have an unparalleled ability to work hand-in-hand with a higher power to create new life. For Jewish families, this divine partnership is not just an individual choice, but a sacred obligation to maintain their faith and customs. The birth of a Jewish child is an exceptional moment, not only for the immediate family but for the whole community that shares in its joy. It marks the genesis of a new covenant between the Congregation of IsraelיִשְׂרָאֵלTransliteration: yiśrā’ēl The name Israel (Septuagint Ancient Greek: Ἰσραήλ, Israēl, “El (God) persists/rules” or “God prevails”) refers to the patriarch Jacob who, according to the Hebrew Bible, was given the name after he successfully wrestled with the Angel of the Lord. The earliest known archaeological artifact to mention the word Israel as a collective is the Merneptah Stele of ancient Egypt (dated to the late-13th century BCE) for more info click here and Elohimאֱלֹהִיםromanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator. For more info click here, where this innocent being is entrusted to the community to cherish and support. The various rites and rituals surrounding this occasion, such as the naming of a girl or the circumcision of a boy, are celebrations of the miracle that is life. They are beautiful testaments to the unwavering bond between Elohimאֱלֹהִיםromanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator. For more info click here and the Jewish people, a pledge to care and nurture each other under the divine guidance of Torahתּוֹרָה‎Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; law, teaching, direction, instruction – The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.. In essence, the arrival of a child is a reminder of the limitless power of love, hope, and togetherness. It is a symbol of infinite possibilities and highlights the compact between humanity and the divine. All children are precious, but Jewish children embody something particularly sacred and serve as inspirations to hold on to the fragile beauty that is life. More on teachings Jewish children Historic Rituals for Welcoming Jewish Daughters

From When a Jew Celebrates Redeeming the firstborn is another traditional ceremony marked for some babies – firstborn sons. (This refers only to the firstborn of the mother; the father might have other sons if he was previously married.) This ceremony goes back to the Torahתּוֹרָה‎Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; law, teaching, direction, instruction – The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot. It is called Pidyon ha-Ben (Hebrew: פדיון הבן) or redemption of the first-born son is a mitzvah in Judaism whereby a Jewish firstborn son is “redeemed” by use of silver coins. Interpretations differ in what the firstborn son is to be redeemed from, ranging from being redeemed from their firstborn status, which was stigmatized after the Ten Plagues, or their obligation to serve as a priest., redemption of the firstborn. Since all creatures and things come from God, the Bible says that all firstborn things and creatures should be shared with God in thanks. So the first fruits, the first grains, and the first of the flock were brought to the Temple and given to God. It was supposed to be the same with the firstborn sons. They too were to be brought to the Temple to serve God. However, it became the custom for the father to redeem his son from the Temple service by a gift of money. The gift was five shekels. This ancient custom is continued today by many families. On the thirteenth day after the birth of the mother’s son, a Kohen A descendant of the ancient priestly families is invited to the house – along with all the relatives, of course, for the party that follows.The parents give the Kohen A descendant of the ancient priestly families the equivalent of five shekels, usually five dollars, and the child is redeemed from special service to God. The Kohen A descendant of the ancient priestly families usually gives the money to charity. More on teachings Jewish children Historic Rituals for Welcoming Jewish Daughters