LIFECYCLE EVENTS
At Beth Am Temple, we acknowledge that Judaism has established wonderful organization and ritiual around the naturally occuring lifecycle events that happen within our families. We are a House of the People with understanding and support to enable you and your family to move through these lifecycles with all the structure necessary. Our Rabbi, with years of experience is able to counsel you, and provide the leadership recommendations necessary to help you along. Whatever your lifecycle event, please come and speak with our Rabbi and feel at ease with the support needed for yourself and your family.
Baby Namings:
Jewish babies are given Hebrew names shortly after they are born. A brief ceremony is performed, which often includes friends and family members of the new baby.
Read more at http://www.reformjudaism.org/what-expect-baby-naming
Wedding Ceremonies:
It's never too early to make arrangements with the rabbi you want to officiate at your wedding.
Are you, as a couple, connected to any rabbi? If so, having "your" rabbi present at the ceremony will enrich the experience for everyone. If, as a couple, there is no rabbi with whom you have a personal or congregational connection, think of contacting BethAm Temple to consult with our Rabbi Daniel Pernick, DD. It is a personal choice with those whom you or your families are embracing. Your shared history could provide an added personal dimension to your kiddushin.
Read more at http://www.reformjudaism.org/planning-wedding
Conversions:
People convert to Judaism for many reasons. Some are seeking religious meaning in their lives – with or without any connection to a Jewish partner – and simply find that Judaism offers a spiritual and religious place in which they are comfortable. For others, a relationship or marriage with a Jewish person offers them a first chance to explore Judaism. Participating in Shabbat dinner, a Shabbat or holiday service, or Torah study may be a completely new and different experience, and can be the first step toward considering conversion.
Read more at http://www.reformjudaism.org/choosing-judaism-0
Bar / Bat Mitzvah:
Bar and bat mitzvah mean, literally, "son and daughter of the commandment." Bat mitzvah is Hebrew, while bar mitzvah, historically a much earlier ceremony, is Aramaic. The word bar is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ben (son of).
Historically, first bar mitzvah and later bat mitzvah represented a ceremonial recognition that a young person had reached the age when he or she was no longer a minor according to Jewish law and thereby took on new religious privileges and responsibilities of an adult. For boys, this age was 13, for girls, 12.
Read more at http://www.reformjudaism.org/origins-barbat-mitzvah
Death and Mourning:
The death of a loved one is so often a painful and confusing time for members of the family and dear friends. Beth Am Temple and our experienced Rabbi Daniel Pernick would like to assist you in planning the funeral as well as offer helpful information on the use of our cemetery arrangements.
Please download our brochure and contact us so that we may be of service to you and your loved ones.
Read more at http://www.reformjudaism.org/preparing-jewish-funeral-guide