Baby Naming Resources

If you're interested in learning more about the custom of baby naming and welcoming ceremonies, check MyJewishLearning or read more from ReformJudiasm about what to expect or watch the video below.

TRADITIONS OF A JEWISH BABY NAMING

If you'd like to share more information about these traditions with your families members of another faith or who may be unfamiliar, check out 18Doors's Brit Bat Booklet, Circumcision Booklet, or the complete Guide to Birth Ceremonies for Interfaith Families.

CHOOSING A HEBREW NAME

One of the most special things a parent does is choose the name for their baby. In Jewish tradition, giving your child a Hebrew (or Yiddish) name is a way to connect them to their Jewish or interfaith identity. This ancient practice of imbuing a name and identity with characteristics, attributes or in memory or in honor of a relative is a long standing tradition. Read more about these customs. For a list of namings, check outKveller's Baby Name Finder or Reform Judaism.com's List of Names.. If you need help choosing a name or names, Rabbi Sarah can assist.

SAMPLE ORDER OF CEREMONY

  • The Baby is escorted into the Ceremony

  • Welcome and Opening Remarks

  • Grandparent Blessings/Candle Lighting

  • Parent(s) Reading

  • Naming Blessing

  • Words from the Parent(s) about the Name and hopes for their child

  • Priestly Blessing

  • Motzi (Blessing before the Meal)

ADDITIONAL READINGS (OPTIONAL)

Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique. It is the duty of every person to know and consider that she is unique in the world in her particular character, and that there has never been someone like her before. For if there had been someone like her before, there would be no need for her to be in the world. Every single person is a new thing in the world and is called upon to fulfill her particularity in the world.

- adapted from Martin Buber

We are grateful for new beginnings and for the bond of new life that links one generation to another. We are thankful for the blessings of family that bring meaning and happiness to our lives.

A baby is one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter, and happiness in the world.

We pray that you live a life of kindness and that you greet the world with passion, courage, humility, humor, and patience. May you be blessed all the days of your life. May you grow strong in mind and body in a home filled with joy and may the bonds of our family sustain you.