Temple Beth Torah

Temple Beth Torah: Life Cycle Events/Procedures

A t Temple Beth Torah, we celebrate equally the birth of all our children. Therefore, rather than a Brit Milah, we have a Brit Chayim service (covenant of life) for boys and for girls. The ceremony may be held at the synagogue or at the family's home. For the boys, a Brit Milah (covenant of circumcision) is usually performed by a mohel at the family's home. As with all life events at Temple Beth Torah, the planning begins with a discussion with Rabbi Block, who will provide materials outlining the options. This way, prospective parents can knowledgeably choose the ceremonies and rituals they want for their family.

"The ceremony for our first baby was very much family-oriented," said the father of a baby born at Temple Beth Torah. "We had the ceremony at the Shabbat services, and Rabbi Block made everyone feel at home." The new mother added, "Having the ceremony at the synagogue was very special because our services are so intimate, and the congregants are our friends. We were pleased to have input about the ceremony which included both traditional readings and some poems which different family members read."

We have a number of adopted children in our congregation and, as with all children at Temple Beth Torah, we have Brit services to welcome them to the covenant of Judaism. We accept and embrace as Jewish all children adopted by the members of our congregation, regardless of race or national origin.

The child's parent should notify the rabbi and the Mitzvah Coordinator of a birth. The sisterhood would make the appropriate calls to the congregation and visit to the parents.

Traditional Jews follow the ancient practice of providing the first-born male son for service to the Temple. In order to get the child back, a symbolic “ransom” is paid to the kohanim (priests of the Temple). For families desiring to participate in this ceremony for their first-born male children, may contact the congregation’s Kohen.

Temple Beth Torah has had several b'nai mitzvah in its first years. In addition to five years of Hebrew studies, students begin specific preparations about six months in advance. Family members have the opportunity to help plan and participate in the service. Children who are b'nai mitzvah make a commitment to continue their education through Confirmation, the sophomore year in high school. A B’nai mitzvah binder, with checklists and other information, is kept by the B’Nai Mitzvah Director.

Temple Beth Torah has had Confirmation classes that range in size from 3 to 15 students. Confirmands have the opportunity to study directly with the Rabbi and prepare a Confirmation Service which is always lively and provocative, with memorable speeches by all Confirmands.

The first step in planning the marriage ceremony is a meeting with Rabbi Block, who provides the couple with materials about the various options for planning the ceremony. "My role is to provide the information so people can make informed choices. The goal is for the ceremony to be a reflection of the people involved, regardless of how they plan on raising their children or what religion will dominate in the home."

Taken from a thank you note for a recent wedding:
"Thank you Rabbi Block so much for your participation in our wedding. We have received countless compliments about the ceremony and it is in large part due to your help. We even received a compliment from another interfaith couple that our ceremony was much better than their own. Your sense of humor, warmth and understanding were perceptible to everyone in attendance. I had many doubts that the ceremony would ever happen, since I was having so much troulble finding a Rabbi who would not only conduct the ceremony, but who would also believe in it. Once I met with you I knew we would have a beautiful ceremony. If the ceremony is any indication of the type of future that we will have together, then it will be one of understanding, appreciation and love."

Rabbi Block will also perform commitment ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples.

For couples who have decided to end their marriage, Rabbi Block will perform a liberal Jewish divorce ceremony after the legal divorce is completed. "This is more of a healing ceremony or ritual", Rabbi Block said. "Divorce is inevitably painful, but adults who have experienced love can at least try to cultivate a spirit of respect, and be at peace with one another as they bring their life together to an end."

At Temple Beth Torah, we value the role of the congregation as a support system for our congregants during their period of mourning. When death is imminent, a member of the family should notify the Mitzvah Coordinator, who is the assistance respresentative of Sisterhood. She assists to facilitate and ease in handling life cycle situations. They should be contacted whenever death or severe /debilitating illnesses occur.

The committee member should ask for any immediate needs, such as Minyans, services, preparing foods for those sitting Shiva. The rabbi and the president of the temple should be notified next, so that a decision can be made as to what needs to be done and the time in which in should be done. The congregation should be notified and given the information.