When does a Jewish baby naming take place?

If a baby boy is being circumcised, (b’rit milah) typically done on the eighth day after birth, the boy is given his Hebrew name at the same time. Baby namings for girls can occur at any time, although they are usually done in the first few weeks of the baby’s life.

Where does a Jewish baby naming take place?

Baby namings can be held in people’s homes,or they can be held at the synagogue. A b’rit milah is usually held in the morning. A baby naming held in a synagogue can take place at a Shabbat service, either Friday evening or Saturday morning.

Why do Jewish babies have a Hebrew name?

The baby’s Hebrew name will be used at life-cycle events throughout his or her life. When Jewish children begin their religious education, they participate in a Consecration ceremony, at which their Hebrew name will be used. At a child’s bar mitzvah (for boys) or bat mitzvah (for girls) – the Jewish coming-of-age ceremony at the age of 13 –  he or she is called to the Torah for the first time by their Hebrew name.  At a Jewish wedding, the Hebrew names of the couple are used on the ketubah, their Jewish marriage document. When a person is called to the Torah, an honor bestowed during a synagogue service, he or she is called by their Hebrew name. When the person dies, his or her Hebrew name will be used during the funeral and burial, and will then be inscribed on their tombstone.

For further information about a baby naming, please call Rabbi Joshua Dorsch 619 697-6001 or email him at rabbidorsch@tiferethisrael.com.