Lifecycles

A Grandparent's Welcome | Prayer

By Michelle and Paul Kipnes

Grandchildren are the crown of their elders and the glory of their parents.

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.

Carrying the Baby | Ritual Component

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

Footwashing | Ritual Component

The baby's feet are washed in a number of ceremonies either as a symbol of covenant or as a symbol of welcome.

Welcome Prayer I | Prayer

Traditional blessing of welcome

Welcome Prayer II | Prayer

From Simhat Bat Ceremony II, Women's League of Conservative Judaism

A slightly longer version of the traditional blessing for welcoming a baby at a babynaming ceremony

Verses for Welcoming the New Baby | Ritual Component

From the Itim Institute

A variety of selections from Scriptures

D'ror Yikra | Poem

From the Itim Institute

Traditional liturgical poem (piyut) for welcoming the baby, also known as "Donash ben Labrat" in Ladino

Ya'alat Chen – A Graceful Gazelle | Poem

From the Itim Institute

Traditional liturgical poem (piyut) for welcoming the baby