Welcoming children into the Jewish people and into the Jewish community, whether by birth or adoption, is a joyous occasion, worthy of celebration. During a naming ceremony, children are given their Hebrew name, and parents have an opportunity to explain their choice of name and its significance to them. Naming ceremonies may be done in the synagogue or at home depending on the wish of the family.
The rabbi is available for naming ceremonies for members and their immediate family; naming ceremonies for non-members are contingent on the rabbi’s availability.
Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique. Life calls each person to discover that she or he is unique and that there has never been anyone like her or him before. For had there been something like any of us before, there would be no need for us to be born into the world. Our task in this life is to fully develop and fulfill our uniqueness in the world, as a gift to the world. (Adapted from the writings of Martin Buber)
