Life Cycle Events

Brit Milah

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eight day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism's sacred covenant. As you prepare to welcome your newborn son, Rabbi Rabishaw will be glad to meet with you to talk about the Brit Milah ceremony, as well as recommend a mohel or two who serves our Temple community. If you choose to circumcise in the hospital, Rabbi Rabishaw would be happy to work with you to arrange a naming ceremony for your son.

Baby Naming/Simchat Bat

We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant, and confers upon her a Hebrew name. As you prepare to welcome your newborn daughter, feel free to contact Rabbi Rabishaw to discuss various options for the welcoming/naming ceremony.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to be proud membership in our ancient people.

Wedding

Rabbi Rabishaw can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass. He will counsel you, offer Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship. Through a series of meetings, Rabbi will also work with you in preparing for your wedding ceremony.

Funeral

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shivah (seven days of mourning). Rabbi Rabishaw and the TOR community will be there with you at your time of need, guiding you through the Jewish mourning rituals and practices.