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. Rabbi Joseph can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser) and help the parents understand the ceremony.

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.  Rabbi Joseph can help you think through and design this ceremony, which can take place at the synagogue, on a Shabbat.

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. Contact Rabbi Joseph to plan for your event.  In 2005, ten women at Bet Aviv celebrated their B’not Mitzvot together.  Six adult congregants studied with Rabbi Bernstein for over a year to prepare for their B’nai Mitzvah, held in November 2016.

On June 3, 2022 Tom Cramer celebrated his Bar Mitzvah after learning Hebrew and studying with Rabbi Joseph

Wedding

Rabbi Joseph 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.  We also counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship.  We also work with you in designing the ceremony, providing our knowledge and experience.

Funeral

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shiva (days of mourning). Rabbi Joseph will instruct you on these and other rituals.  We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices. We can also arrange lay leaders for one or more Shiva services.  See our Funeral and shiva policy by clicking here for more details.

SPONSORING AN ONEG

Consider sponsoring an Oneg in honor of a baby naming, special birthday or annivesary or some other significant event in your life!  If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg following Friday evening Shabbat service, our staff can assist you.  Please fill out our Oneg Sponsor Form and contact the office for more information!