Baby Blessings
“A good name is better than precious oil” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)
There is a special ceremony in Judaism in which a Hebrew name is given to the child. This ceremony is a public way of welcoming the baby and providing the chance for him/her to receive a blessing. If the baby is a boy, the naming ceremony can be arranged following the Brit Milah. If the baby is a girl, the naming would be a part of a blessing ceremony.
At Westminster Synagogue we have a baby blessing service which can be conducted by the Rabbi either following the Torah service on Shabbat mornings or as a part of the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday evenings. The baby is named in front of the Ark (aron kodesh) and a special blessing of gratitude is recited by both parents. Generally this is held a month or two after the birth of the child, but may be held later.
This traditional ceremony may be followed by a special kiddush hosted by the family.
For more information, please contact Julieta Kunik, our Lifecycle Coordinator.
