Life Cycle Observances*

The Temple and Rabbi provide services for all of those personal moments in the life cycle of a Jew.  From birth through death and the grieving process, the Rabbi and congregation engage families in their celebrations and in comforting them in illness and grief.

When a boy or girl is born, we welcome the child into the covenant with Brit Milah (The Covenant of Circumcision) and Brit Chayim (The Covenant of Life, for girls).  Services are observed in the family’s home or as part of the Shabbat service.

Kindergarten children are consecrated to their Jewish studies by their parents during the Simchat Torah service and are presented with a tiny replica of a Torah, which many keep throughout their lives.

At the age of 13, students who become Bar and Bat Mitzvah, celebrate by being called to the Torah during a Shabbat Morning (11am) or Afternoon Service (5:30pm).  They read (some chant) a selection from both the Torah and Haftarah and offer their own interpretation of the parasha.  The requirements may be found in the Religious School page. Family members and friends join in aliyot and non-Jewish parents may choose to stand with their child and help to symbolically hand Torah down to him/her and recite a blessing in English.

Happily, most of our students continue their Religious School education through Confirmation.  Tenth Grade students study with the Rabbi and write their own service as well as discuss why they accept Judaism.  The Service usually takes place on the Sunday, closest to Shavuot.

The Rabbi and congregation reach out to all who are ill, home-bound or living in a nursing home.

In the event of a death, the Rabbi will help guide the family through the process of a funeral service.  Our Sanctuary is available for memorial services.  The Rabbi or a Temple member will always be available for shiva services.

* See the policy regarding those whom the Rabbi may serve at Life Cycle Events.