Mazal Tov! You have just welcomed a new member into your family! Bringing a new child into the world is a most awesome experience. There is nothing quite like holding your little one for the first time.

The Talmud states that there are three partners in the creation of a child: the father the mother and G-d, each contributing another element to the child’s being. Judaism places much importance to the formative years of a child to ensure that the child’s Jewish identity is cultivated and nourished.

For a boy this begins with the Brit (circumcision) when the child is eight days old. Brit means covenant and is symbolic of the eternal connection we as Jews have with almighty G-d. As soon as a baby boy is born a Mohel (a Rabbi trained in the practice of circumcision) must be contacted to arrange for the Brit to take place. Because the child’s health and wellbeing are paramount the Mohel will examine the baby and see whether the child is able to have a Brit in the proper time. The Mohel or doctor may at times delay the Brit until the child is healthy and able to be circumcised.

Baby Naming

Some have a tradition to name children after family members who have passed on while others choose to name a child after a righteous individual. You may choose to give a child a name which relates to the child’s circumstances or your aspirations for the child. Our sages tell us that parents are endowed with divine inspiration when choosing a name for their child.

The naming of a boy takes place at the circumcision. Make sure you have the new name prepared as well the Hebrew names of both parents.

A baby girl is named at the reading of the Torah in the synagogue which is read on Mondays Thursdays and Shabbat.  It is customary for the child to be named at the first opportunity. When naming the child please ensure that you have the new name prepared.  In addition please have prepared the Hebrew names of both parents as well as the maternal grandmother’s name so that a prayer can be recited for the health of the new mother.

Click here for a list of Jewish names and their meanings.