Life Cycle Events
We celebrate the Progressive Jewish home, Jewish family and Jewish cultural life. Below you will find information on basic Jewish lifecycle celebrations and explanations on how we follow these observances. Our hope is that you discover your own place within our rich heritage.
Please note that the priority of lifecycle officiations goes to those who are our congregation members.
Births
Brit Milah (boys)
Brit Milah, or “Bris” as we say in Yiddish, is the ritual circumcision of a Jewish infant on the 8th day following his birth. Despite some recent trends on the American scene to leave baby boys uncircumcised, circumcision remains a requirement for male Jewish identity even within the Reform Movement, the most liberal of the branches of American Judaism. Not only is it considered healthier, but it is the statement of identity for a Jewish boy. By giving their son a Brit Milah, parents affirm their son’s entrance into the Jewish People and the covenant between that child and God. One does not need a rabbi or cantor at a Brit Milah. Rather, a mohel is a Jewish professional who conducts the service and performs the circumcision. There are many Reform mohalim who are physicians, usually urologists or Ob-Gyns. We are happy to help parents find competent and compassionate mohalim/mohalot to officiate, and can be contacted here. Oftentimes, families choose to have a smaller, private Brit Milah and a more public baby naming and blessing as part of a Friday evening service at a later date. We are also happy to arrange such a ritual for you.
Brit Habat (girls)
Since Jewish boys are brought into the covenant of the Jewish people through the rite of Brit Milah, a few decades ago rabbis began to create ceremonies for entering Jewish girls into the People of Israel. Some have a “Brita” or “Brit Habat,” a ceremony in the home that is akin to a Bris but without any medical procedure. Others have a baby naming in the synagogue on a Friday night during services. Whether you choose to have your ritual at home or as part of a Friday evening service, we are happy to work with you to create a celebration of blessing for your newborn daughter. Please contact us here to begin the planning process. For suggested honoraria for lay-led baby naming services click here.
Bar / Bat Mitzvah
At the age of thirteen, a Jewish child becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah — a son or daughter of the commandments. Now responsible for their own ritual and ethical behaviour, the child and family celebrate this milestone by coming to Torah and helping to lead services. At Beit Luria this is an intimate, joyful and meaningful celebration and experience.
Marriage
The sacred bond between committed partners is a treasured cornerstone of Jewish community life. Rabbi Julia will work with you and your partner and officiate your wedding. If you wish to share a special blessing during any of our services preceding your wedding, contact us and it will be arranged. For information on wedding fees and suggested honoraria for a lay-led aufruf please get hold of our team via the Contact Us page.
Conversion / ITJ Course
Beit Luria is a warm and inviting community for those curious about Judaism, considering converting to Judaism, or who are raising Jewish children. We welcome those who wish to explore our faith and consider embracing the Covenant of Israel. Our Rabbi works with individual candidates toward conversion. Our ITJ (Introduction to Judaism) classes provide a curriculum and events designed to give you an opportunity to learn more about Jewish belief and practice, as well as to embrace and celebrate the multicultural aspects of our diverse community. Those who have not yet completed their conversion, as well as non-Jewish guests and community members, are always welcomed as well.
Illness and Healing
The Mishberech prayer for healing is offered at each of our Shabbat services. If you have a name of a loved one, friend or congregant member in need of healing that you would like to be read during this prayer, please share it with our Chair, Lisa.
Death
One of the most important aspects of synagogue life is that people are there for each other at times of crisis, pain, and loss. We are honoured to help people when there has been a death in the family. At the time of a loss, contact us so that we can be sure that we can be available in your time of need. We will help you plan and schedule the funeral, we will meet with you to comfort you and we will conduct a service that is meaningful and comforting.
In accordance with Jewish tradition, some of our members “sit shiva,” receiving comforting guests at their homes following the service. While the tradition is seven days, many people observe for one or sometimes two or three days. Rabbi Julia will officiate at shiva minyan services in the home of the bereaved for one service or up to the full week of shiva. Traditionally, before the first year is over, an unveiling takes place as the stone is placed at the grave. We are happy to prepare a short service for you to lead on your own, or with a lay-leaders guidance.