Jewish Birth Customs (other than circumcision)

[billieshakesbeer]

I hesitate in even asking (considering the latest brouhaha over politics/religion threads) but are there any unique Jewish customs/ceremonies for when a baby is born? Christianity has christenings, infant baptisms, etc but I don't know of any ceremonies in Judaism other than circumcision and bar/bat mitzfas as far as children are concerned. My protag is not orthodox, not even really Reform either - but the scene of his daughter's birth is pivotal in the script.

Any suggestions???? Ideas???? Any Net sites for info? Anti-religious flamings?

[ABZ18]

The child is only considered Jewish if the mother is Jewish. If this is the case a baby girl will be given a Hebrew name at the sinagoge preferably the first sabbath after the birth (It doesn't have to be sabbath but it usually is done on the sabbath.)

The child's name is spoken to the rabbi in between the weekly reading of the Torah (Old testament) that takes place every saturday (this applies to all varieties of Judaism that I have seen from reform through hassidic.) The rabbi then gives the child's name and pronounces a blessing that the child be healthy, rightous, raise a family and in general be a credit to jews everywhere. Afterwards the parents (the baby girl need not be present in the naming) offer a kiddush which is usually light refreshments with wine benediction and of course smoozing.

I hope this is helpful.

Aliza

[billieshakesbeer]

Yes, both are Jewish, but it's the father who wants the girl blessed.

Thanks very much. Cleo also pointed me to a site about Jewish birth customs in chat.

Interesting. Is the kiddush at the synagogue or at their home?

[JakeSchuster aka Ostroff]

I can also refer you to a very helpful book called The Jewish Book of Why. It'll answer all your questions. Also, Jewish children are traditionally named after relatives who have died; it symbolically carries on their lives.

[ABZ18]

Hi,

I've seen kiddushim (plural) happen at sinagoges, halls and private home. That really is just personal preference.

Hope this helps,

Aliza

[billieshakesbeer]

Thanks all for the info. Haven't yet decided whether to include it, or even to keep the baby a girl, but appreciate the responses.

[suzbays]

I read that Ashkenazi name their children after deceased relatives with the thinking being that it would be confusing and maybe bad luck to name them after living relatives. However, Sephardic Jews often name their children after living relatives.

My sister said she and her husband went to a naming ceremony that was held after the Saturday morning services, though she didn't know that's when it would happen and neither did the other non-Jewish couple there for the same reason. After the regular services, the family and people in the know showed up for the naming ceremony.

Susan

[ABZ18]

Hi again,

I don't know if your still looking for info on this subject but I just came across this from my learning website and I thought it might help you;

There are several different customs as to when girls are named. Sephardic girls are named at a ceremony known as a "Zevved Ha'bat"/"The Daughter's Gift." The ceremony begins with reading Shir Ha'shirim 2:14: "My dove . . . your voice is sweet and your countenance is beautiful." For a first daughter, some read Shir Ha'shirim 6:9: "Unique is she, my constant dove, unique is she to her mother . . ." Afterward, a mi she'bairach is recited and the name is given. (Ibid. p.37)

There is no set time for holding a Zevved Ha'bat. (Heard from R' Chaim Arzouan)

Among Ashkenazim, some name a girl on the day she is born. Most wait until a day when the Torah is read. Preferably, this should be done on the first day when the Torah is read rather than waiting until Shabbat. (Kuntreis Ziv Ha'shemot p.37-38)

R' Chaim Elazar Shapiro z"l (the "Munkatcher Rebbe"; died 1937) offers the following reason in the name of his ancestor, the Bnei Yissaschar: A child's name is his/her soul. [As explained above, the name alludes to the person's mission.] Why should we deprive the child of a soul longer than necessary?! (Darchei Chaim Ve'Shalom No. 219)

One should make a festive meal on the day his daughter is named. (Ta'amei Ha'minhagim: Inyanei Milah)

by the way Sephardic jews originated in Spain and Ashkenazi jews are Germanic Europian. I hope I haven't throw a wrench into script!

Best regards,

Aliza Z