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Life Cycle Events

Brit Ceremonies – A Brit Milah (Covenant of Circumcision for a boy) and a Berit Bat ceremony (Covenant of Daughter for a girl) are special ways for Jewish parents to express their gratitude and celebrate the new addition of a child to their family. The clergy at Congregation B'Nai Israel are available to advise couples on these ceremonies, which marks the bringing of sons or daughters into the brit, or covenant, of Israel.

B’nai Mitzvah – Few things impact a child’s Jewish awareness and self-confidence more strongly than leading our congregational family in prayer and words of Torah. Learning Hebrew, prayers, and Jewish customs begins in our Religious School, and through attendance at Shabbat services. That coupled with tutoring by CBI clergy, enables our young people to gain the knowledge and confidence to celebrate this important life cycle event.

B’nai Mitzvah is the celebration of a beginning, as each child begins to take responsibility for their own Jewish identity. Demonstrating this through designing and completing a mitzvah (charity) project, is a meaningful addition to this life cycle event.  

Becoming B’nai Mitzvah is a joyous event for students, families, and our CBI community. Our clergy is eager to work to prepare any family member who would like to chant Torah or participate in the service in another manner. 

After their B’nai Mitzvah, your children are encouraged to continue their connection to Judaism (and CBI) through learning, prayer, and acts of Tzedakah.  We see a commitment to life-long Jewish education as a goal for all our members.

Kaddish - Wanting to say Kaddish For a Loved One or A Friend? During our Shabbat services, you will have the opportunity to say the Mourner's Kaddish with our community. This is a meaningful way to remember those who were once in our lives, and will remain always in our hearts. 

 

Marriage - The celebration of the beginning of a life together as a couple is an intimate, joyful, and ceremonious occasion. The clergy counsels couples on preparing for their life together and the value of creating a Jewish home.

We also assist couples in shaping the ceremony to express their personal wishes within the framework of a Jewish wedding. As part of the celebration, the couple may be honored at the Shabbat service prior to the wedding with a special blessing before the Torah in the presence of friends, family and congregants.

Conversion – Those interested in converting to Judaism are warmly and enthusiastically welcomed at Congregation B'nai Israel.  Interested individuals are encouraged to contact our Rabbi.

Death and Mourning – The Jewish tradition is founded on respect for those who have died and on providing comfort to those who are grieving. Members of  Congregation B'nai Israel family are there to comfort, support and provide any necessary guidance to those who are bereaved.

Congregants are encouraged to turn to the Synagogue staff for advice on the practical matters and ritual surrounding the occurrence of death, burial and mourning. Our Rabbi and Cantor are available to officiate at funeral services for Synagogue members and their families, and are also available to guide families through the traditional mourning rituals in the days that follow burial.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784