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Ritual Throughout the Cycle of Your Life at Shir Ami
The clergy at Shir Ami are here to guide you through the Jewish rituals that mark the various stages of life. From the joy of a B'rit Bat to the solemnity of Minyan, and all the meaningful moments in between, each ritual holds deep significance for your family.
Some rituals are intimate, meant for close family and friends, while others are larger celebrations for the whole community. Regardless of the size or nature of the occasion, we are dedicated to making each ceremony special and personal for you and your loved ones.
B’rit Milah (Bris) | for boys
The B’rit Milah (Covenant of Circumcision) is a deeply rooted tradition in Judaism, performed on the 8th day after a boy is born. This sacred ritual symbolizes the child’s entry into the Jewish covenant and is a meaningful moment for families.
Ceremony Details:
- Traditional Practice: Families typically engage an experienced mohel (a trained professional who performs the circumcision) to conduct the procedure.
- Spiritual Guidance: A member of the clergy may be invited to incorporate spiritual elements into the ceremony.
- Location: Most ceremonies are held in the family home, although some opt for a larger space at the synagogue to accommodate guests.
Hospital Circumcisions:
Some parents choose to have the child circumcised in the hospital shortly after birth, before the mother and baby are discharged. While this is a personal choice, it’s important to note that a hospital circumcision performed within the first few days of life does not fulfill the requirements of a B’rit Milah.
Some parents choose to have the child circumcised in the hospital shortly after birth, before the mother and baby are discharged. While this is a personal choice, it’s important to note that a hospital circumcision performed within the first few days of life does not fulfill the requirements of a B’rit Milah.
For guidance or to learn more about planning a B’rit Milah, feel free to contact our clergy team.
B’rit Bat | for girls
When a girl is born, many families choose to hold a special ceremony that introduces her into the covenant of the Jewish people. This tradition, while less formalized than the B’rit Milah, serves as a meaningful way to celebrate the birth of a daughter.
Ceremony Details:
- Timing: Some families choose to hold the ceremony on the 8th day, following the example of the B’rit Milah for boys, especially those who embrace egalitarian practices. Others may choose a more convenient date, often within 2-4 weeks after the birth, sometimes on a Sunday.
- Rituals and Blessings: While the ceremony is similar to a B’rit Milah, it does not include the circumcision. The blessings and spiritual elements are closely aligned with those of a B’rit Milah, marking the girl’s entry into the Jewish community and covenant.
This ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the birth of a daughter while honoring the continuity of Jewish tradition.
Baby Naming
A baby naming ceremony is a special occasion to bestow a child’s Hebrew name and celebrate their Jewish identity. For families who choose not to have a B’rit Milah performed by a certified mohel, a baby naming offers a meaningful way to mark the child's entry into the Jewish community with tradition and ritual.
Ceremony Details:
- Timing: The ceremony is typically held within 30 days of the child's birth, on a convenient day for the family, often in their home.
- Rituals and Blessings: A member of the clergy leads the ceremony with special readings and blessings, and the child is given their Hebrew name.
- Location: While baby namings are often held at home, they may also take place at the synagogue—either in a private service in the sanctuary or as part of a Friday night Shabbat service.
This beautiful ceremony provides a meaningful way to welcome a child into the Jewish tradition and share this joyful moment with family and friends.
Naming Ceremony
Children (and adults) who were not given a Hebrew name at birth can contact a member of the clergy to arrange a ceremony for choosing a Hebrew name. Once the name is selected, a brief ceremony can be conducted either in the clergy's office or in the sanctuary.
Important Note on Covenantal Ceremonies:
B’rit Milah and Simchat Bat are considered covenantal ceremonies that mark a child’s entry into the Jewish people. Families who choose to participate in these rituals—regardless of whether both parents are Jewish—are committing to raise their child within the Jewish faith and tradition.
B’rit Milah and Simchat Bat are considered covenantal ceremonies that mark a child’s entry into the Jewish people. Families who choose to participate in these rituals—regardless of whether both parents are Jewish—are committing to raise their child within the Jewish faith and tradition.
As such, it is not appropriate to combine a B’rit Milah or Simchat Bat with a baptism or another covenantal ceremony from a different faith tradition. Therefore, Shir Ami clergy cannot participate in a B’rit Milah or Simchat Bat if the child will also be consecrated in a different religious tradition.
For a more detailed explanation of this policy, please feel free to contact Rabbi Briskin directly.
Consecration
The Consecration Ceremony marks the beginning of a child's formal Jewish education, traditionally held when they start religious school in first grade. On the festival of Simchat Torah (early fall), our first-grade students and their parents are invited to participate in a special ritual during the holiday service to celebrate this important milestone.
To be eligible for Consecration, children must be enrolled in the Shir Ami religious school.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah | (B.mitzvah)*
At Shir Ami, when a child turns 13, they reach an important milestone in their Jewish journey: they become subject to the commandments and celebrate becoming a bar mitzvah (for boys) or bat mitzvah (for girls). This marks the start of their full participation in Jewish life and the community.
Eligibility and Preparation:
- Children enrolled in the Shir Ami Religious School and who have mastered the required material are eligible to celebrate this momentous occasion.
- In addition to meeting religious school attendance requirements, students spend 10 months preparing by meeting weekly with tutors and clergy in the lead-up to their special day.
The B.Mitzvah Ceremony:
On the day of the b.mitzvah, students play an active role in leading the service. They will chant verses of the Torah and prepare a brief d’var Torah (speech) based on their Torah portion, which they share with the congregation.
On the day of the b.mitzvah, students play an active role in leading the service. They will chant verses of the Torah and prepare a brief d’var Torah (speech) based on their Torah portion, which they share with the congregation.
Service Details:
- B.mitzvah services are typically held on Saturday mornings at 10:15 AM in the Abraham-Swerdlow Sanctuary.
- Occasionally, services may be scheduled for 4:30 PM on Saturday, Monday or Thursday mornings, or Rosh Hodesh (the beginning of a new Jewish month).
Offsite Services:
For families who wish to hold their b.mitzvah service offsite, they are responsible for arranging tutoring and preparation. Shir Ami clergy generally do not officiate at b.mitzvah services held outside of Shir Ami.
For families who wish to hold their b.mitzvah service offsite, they are responsible for arranging tutoring and preparation. Shir Ami clergy generally do not officiate at b.mitzvah services held outside of Shir Ami.
B.Mitzvah Program Portal:
For comprehensive details about the b.mitzvah program, including requirements, preparations, and timeline, please refer to our b.mitzvah portal.
For comprehensive details about the b.mitzvah program, including requirements, preparations, and timeline, please refer to our b.mitzvah portal.
Gender-Neutral Term:
At Shir Ami, we use the term b.mitzvah as a gender-neutral designation for the group or class of students preparing for or who have already celebrated their bar or bat mitzvah. This term replaces the traditional b’nai mitzvah, offering inclusivity for all.
At Shir Ami, we use the term b.mitzvah as a gender-neutral designation for the group or class of students preparing for or who have already celebrated their bar or bat mitzvah. This term replaces the traditional b’nai mitzvah, offering inclusivity for all.
Confirmation
Becoming b.mitzvah is an important milestone in a child’s Jewish education, but it is just the beginning of their lifelong learning journey. At Shir Ami, we encourage our students to continue their studies through 10th grade and beyond, culminating in the Confirmation year.
8th–10th Grade Curriculum:
After the b.mitzvah, the curriculum shifts focus from b.mitzvah preparations to more expansive topics relevant to teenagers. Our 8th–10th grade program blends traditional classroom learning with experiential learning and service learning to provide a variety of engaging opportunities for post-b.mitzvah students.
After the b.mitzvah, the curriculum shifts focus from b.mitzvah preparations to more expansive topics relevant to teenagers. Our 8th–10th grade program blends traditional classroom learning with experiential learning and service learning to provide a variety of engaging opportunities for post-b.mitzvah students.
Confirmation Ceremony:
Students who complete the formal 10th grade Confirmation curriculum, taught by Rabbi Briskin, participate in a meaningful Confirmation ceremony in May. As part of the ceremony, students create and lead a service that reflects their understanding and perspective as Jewish adolescents, marking the next step in their Jewish educational journey.
Students who complete the formal 10th grade Confirmation curriculum, taught by Rabbi Briskin, participate in a meaningful Confirmation ceremony in May. As part of the ceremony, students create and lead a service that reflects their understanding and perspective as Jewish adolescents, marking the next step in their Jewish educational journey.
Wedding
Shir Ami clergy are honored to officiate at weddings for both members and non-members of the congregation.
For Members:
Shir Ami members, as well as their children under the age of 36, are entitled to the services of the clergy as part of their membership.
Shir Ami members, as well as their children under the age of 36, are entitled to the services of the clergy as part of their membership.
For Non-Members and Children Over 36:
Couples who are not members of Shir Ami, or children of members over the age of 36, may arrange for clergy services for an honorarium, the amount of which is determined by the specific clergy person.
Couples who are not members of Shir Ami, or children of members over the age of 36, may arrange for clergy services for an honorarium, the amount of which is determined by the specific clergy person.
Pre-Wedding Counseling:
Couples typically meet with the rabbi or cantor 4-5 times prior to their wedding for counseling sessions. Rabbi Briskin uses a program called Prepare and Enrich to guide couples through their pre-marital counseling.
Couples typically meet with the rabbi or cantor 4-5 times prior to their wedding for counseling sessions. Rabbi Briskin uses a program called Prepare and Enrich to guide couples through their pre-marital counseling.
Inclusivity and Marriage Diversity:
Shir Ami clergy recognize the diversity of couples today and generally officiate at weddings between a Jewish partner and a non-Jewish partner, provided the couple plans to live a Jewish life and commit to raising any future children in the Jewish faith.
Shir Ami clergy recognize the diversity of couples today and generally officiate at weddings between a Jewish partner and a non-Jewish partner, provided the couple plans to live a Jewish life and commit to raising any future children in the Jewish faith.
Because a Jewish wedding incorporates covenantal language and ritual practices, Shir Ami clergy do not co-officiate with clergy from other religious traditions.
Marriage Equality:
Shir Ami clergy fully support marriage equality and are proud to officiate at same-sex weddings.
Shir Ami clergy fully support marriage equality and are proud to officiate at same-sex weddings.
For more information or to schedule a wedding, please contact our clergy team.
Illness
No one should face illness—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—alone. Shir Ami clergy are here to offer guidance and spiritual support during challenging times. If you or a family member are hospitalized, please contact a member of our clergy so we can visit or call to offer our care. We will stay in touch with you throughout your recovery.
Many of our members cope with long-term or chronic illnesses, while others may be homebound. Our Caring Committee provides support through regular visits, calls, and assistance with basic needs whenever possible.
Refuah Shleimah (Healing Prayer):
If you would like to add your name or the name of an immediate family member to our Refuah Shleimah healing list, please contact Jodie Levinson in the office. Each Friday night, we offer a prayer for healing, lifting up the names of community members in need of recovery.
If you would like to add your name or the name of an immediate family member to our Refuah Shleimah healing list, please contact Jodie Levinson in the office. Each Friday night, we offer a prayer for healing, lifting up the names of community members in need of recovery.
Please note that hospitals do not provide us with the names of congregants who are admitted. The only way we learn about someone’s illness is if you reach out to us. If you or a loved one is facing illness, surgery (major or minor), or any situation that may require hospitalization or long-term recovery, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We are here to support you.
Death and Mourning
The Shir Ami clergy are here to guide you through this difficult time in the life of your family. A member of our clergy is always on call to offer support and comfort.
Immediate Steps After a Loss:
When a loved one passes, Shir Ami should be your third call, after notifying the mortuary (most families in our area choose Goldsteins’ in Southampton or Joseph Levine & Sons in Feasterville-Trevose). After reaching out to immediate family, please contact Rabbi Briskin or Cantor Berlin. In partnership with the mortuary, we will help you navigate the early stages of grief and mourning.
When a loved one passes, Shir Ami should be your third call, after notifying the mortuary (most families in our area choose Goldsteins’ in Southampton or Joseph Levine & Sons in Feasterville-Trevose). After reaching out to immediate family, please contact Rabbi Briskin or Cantor Berlin. In partnership with the mortuary, we will help you navigate the early stages of grief and mourning.
We will assist in coordinating the funeral service, which typically includes an in-person meeting with clergy to guide you through the service and learn more about your loved one, especially if we did not know them personally. We will also help arrange shiva minyan services.
Funeral and Shiva:
The funeral usually takes place within 24 to 72 hours after the death, although it may be slightly delayed if family members need to travel. The mortuary will work with the rabbi or cantor to finalize the date and time. Following the interment, the family begins shiva—the seven-day mourning period. Many families choose to hold a shiva minyan for one, two, or three nights, and some choose to have a minyan for the full week. Rabbi Briskin and Cantor Berlin make every effort to lead at least one or two of these services. We are also grateful to a dedicated group of trained Shir Ami volunteers who can lead the minyan when neither clergy member is available.
The funeral usually takes place within 24 to 72 hours after the death, although it may be slightly delayed if family members need to travel. The mortuary will work with the rabbi or cantor to finalize the date and time. Following the interment, the family begins shiva—the seven-day mourning period. Many families choose to hold a shiva minyan for one, two, or three nights, and some choose to have a minyan for the full week. Rabbi Briskin and Cantor Berlin make every effort to lead at least one or two of these services. We are also grateful to a dedicated group of trained Shir Ami volunteers who can lead the minyan when neither clergy member is available.
Ongoing Support:
For the first thirty days (known as sheloshim), we remember those who have passed during our Shabbat service, reciting their names before the Mourners’ Kaddish. The names of the departed are also read during the Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service, just before the Mourners' Kaddish is recited, as we approach the yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death.
For the first thirty days (known as sheloshim), we remember those who have passed during our Shabbat service, reciting their names before the Mourners’ Kaddish. The names of the departed are also read during the Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service, just before the Mourners' Kaddish is recited, as we approach the yahrzeit, the anniversary of the death.
Unveiling Ceremony:
Typically, about a year after the passing, an unveiling ceremony is held to dedicate the monument stone or marker. Shir Ami clergy are available to lead this brief and meaningful service or to provide a text for you to follow. Unlike the funeral, which involves many attendees, an unveiling is usually attended by immediate family and close friends.
Typically, about a year after the passing, an unveiling ceremony is held to dedicate the monument stone or marker. Shir Ami clergy are available to lead this brief and meaningful service or to provide a text for you to follow. Unlike the funeral, which involves many attendees, an unveiling is usually attended by immediate family and close friends.
We are here to support you throughout the mourning process and beyond. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Sat, December 14 2024 13 Kislev 5785
