Brit Milah
The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eighth day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Rabbi Derrenbacher can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser), help the parents understand the ceremony, and co-officiate, along with the Mohel.
Baby Naming/Simchat Bat
We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. Rabbi Cohen can help you think through and design this ceremony, which can take place either at home, or at the synagogue, on a Shabbat, or any day the Torah is read (Monday, Thursday, Festivals, Rosh Chodesh).
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible members of our Jewish community. Our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students study in religious school and with a tutor, complete a Mitzvah project, write a speech, and invite the whole congregation to join them as they are called to the Torah for the first time.
Wedding
Rabbi Cohen can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching the couple the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass. We also counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship.
Funeral
Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shivah (seven days of mourning). Rabbi Cohen will instruct you on these and other rituals. We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.
SPONSORING A KIDDUSH
Whether you are interested in sponsoring a basic Kiddush or a full Kiddush luncheon, our staff can assist you with all the preparations! Please contact us for more information!