Outline of Ceremony
Outline
There is no fixed outline for a babynaming. However, many ceremonies tend to follow a certain structure listed below.
1. Welcoming the Baby – The baby is often carried into the room and passed from grandparents to parents as the guests cry out, “Baruch ha-ba” – “Welcome!” Some people use a ritual, like washing the baby’s feet, to welcome her.
2. Prayers for Family and Friends – Grandparents and other friend and relatives offer their prayers and blessings. This can happen now, or later in the ceremony.
3. Poems, Prayers, Songs – This is a good time for a reading or a song.
4. Entering the Baby into the Covenant – A formal prayer is said entering the baby in the covenant of the Jewish people. Sometimes this is accompanied by a ritual.
5. Naming the Baby – The baby is formally named. Parents will often speak about the baby’s name, how it was derived, and if named for a family member or biblical hero, the qualities of that person that they hope the baby will embody.
7. Closing Prayers – Often the priestly blessing and shehekhiyanu.
8. The Festive Meal – Preceded by kiddush and motzi.
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