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Covenant & Naming Rituals

Historically, Jewish people have formally welcomed boys into the covenant with God, marking the occasion with celebration and circumcision. The birth of a girl was met with joy, but no ritual or communal celebration. We offer a variety of ways to formally welcome both girls and boys. You’ll also find naming rituals and blessings for parents, grandparents and children.

Photo by Jordan Cassway

Smelling Fragrant Spices

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

A symbolization of life, love, and renewal [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Traditional Blessing for Entering the Baby into the Covenant

Prayer

With Hebrew, a traditional blessing [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: covenant

Anointing with Breast Milk

By Alexandra Volin Avelin | Ritual Component

Excerpted from an original babynaming ceremony in which the baby is welcomed into the covenant by anointing her with breast milk. [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: covenant

A Mother’s Prayer at the Naming of Her Daughter

By Ruth F. Brin, z”l | Prayer

Celebrating the gift of life through faith, love, and courage [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: naming

Blessing the New Parents

By Rabbi Alissa Wise | Ritual Component

Blessing to be recited by the officiant to the new parents at the welcoming ceremony [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Awakening the Senses

Ritual Component

A new ritual in which the infant is offered something to stimulate each of her senses [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Build Me a Daughter

Prayer

Modern prayer [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Choosing a Name

Article

Advice on how to choose a name and places to find Jewish names [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: naming

Discussing the Name

Article

Some ideas for speaking about your child's name at the babynaming ceremony [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: naming

We Dedicate Our Child to Torah...

Prayer

A modern prayer [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals