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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

Tree-Planting Ritual

By Treasure Cohen | Ritual Component

Traditionally, a cypress tree was planted when a daughter was born and a cedar for a son. Their branches were woven together to make the wedding canopy. [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: tree planting

Gratitude and Praise

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

Psalms 100 and 118 [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Blessings: Hatov V'hameitiv and Shehecheyanu

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

To recite when the baby is born or at the ceremony [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: shehekheyanu

Verses, Midrashim, and Acrostics

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

Three categories of verses commonly recited at a naming ceremony [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: naming

Blessing: Gomel

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

Recited by the mother for the safe childbirth [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: gomel

The Parents' Blessing

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

The traditional priestly blessing for a congregation, directed to the newborn [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals, Friday Evening

Tags: priestly blessing

Blessings by Siblings or Grandparents

From the Itim Institute | Ritual Component

Optional blessings to be recited by each or all [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: grandparents

A Grandparent's Welcome

By Michelle and Paul Kipnes | Prayer

Grandchildren are the crown of their elders and the glory of their parents. [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: grandparents

Ritual Thrones

Ritual Component

At a brit ceremony an infant boy is traditionally placed on the Chair of Elijah. New chairs have been created including Thrones of Miriam and Deborah. [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: Elijah

Carrying the Baby

Ritual Component

A ritual performed at the beginning of a baby-naming ceremony as the baby is welcomed into the community. [more]

Found In: Covenant & Naming Rituals

Tags: welcoming