LIFECYCLE EVENTS
Judaism beautifully embraces life's natural milestones, and here at Beth Am Temple, we're here to walk alongside you during these special moments. Think of us as your extended family, always ready to offer understanding, support, and guidance.
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Rabbi Pernick is not just a leader but a friend, eager to provide counsel and recommendations tailored to your needs.
No matter the occasion or milestone, we invite you to chat with our Rabbi. Let's navigate life's journey together, ensuring you and your family feel supported and cherished every step of the way.
Brit Bat/Brit Ben (not a Naming Ceremony):
Jewish babies are traditionally given Hebrew names shortly after they are born as part of a ceremony of welcoming them into the ancient covenant between God and the Jewish people. For boys, the traditional ceremony is a brit milah (bris) which is performed on the eighth day of the baby’s life (health permitting). For girls, a welcoming ceremony is traditionally held on a Sabbath shortly after her birth.
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Today, it is not unusual for a brit bat or even a brit ben (for a boy) to be held much later, sometimes around the first birthday. These ceremonies may be performed in Temple or in other locations.
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Please feel free to speak with Rabbi Pernick with any questions you may have about ceremonies
welcoming a new child into the covenant and giving them their Hebrew/Jewish name.
Read more at What to Expect at a Baby Naming | Reform Judaism
Wedding Ceremonies:
Mazel tov, you’re engaged! Contact family and friends and then, contact the Rabbi! Many couples are disappointed at not being able to have the rabbi of their choice officiate because they were unaware of potential problems with their desired date and time. Also, the rabbi may have another commitment at that same time.
Avoiding this problem is easy: contact the Rabbi (whether Rabbi Pernick or any other rabbi) BEFORE setting a date and time.
At Beth Am, we have a beautiful Sanctuary and Social Hall which can accommodate large crowds for your wedding, if so desired. Weddings are very complex life cycle occasions. Rabbi Pernick has many decades of experience and can help to guide you, whatever your situation.
Read more at Planning Your Jewish (or Jew-ish) Wedding | Reform Judaism
Conversions:
People convert to Judaism for many reasons. Some are seeking religious meaning in their lives – with or without a connection to a Jewish partner – and simply find that Judaism offers the spiritual and religious environment which feels right to them. For others, a relationship or marriage with a Jewish person offers them a first chance to explore Judaism.
Conversion to Judaism generally takes close to a year and one may step back at any point in the process. Rabbi Pernick has officiated at a large number of conversions over the years and has guided numerous others in their process. Feel free to talk, there is no obligation to continue.
Read more at Conversion | Reform Judaism
Bar/Bat Mitzvah:
Bar and Bat Mitzvah mean, literally, "son and daughter of the commandment."
While traditional Judaism allows girls to celebrate becoming bat mitzvah earlier than boys
(due to reaching puberty earlier), Reform Judaism champions equality. As such, all of our students become eligible for this milestone marking the entry into accepting the
responsibilities of Jewish adulthood, at the age of 13.
While one automatically becomes a bar/bat mitzvah at the appointed age (it is incorrect to say that one “had a bar/bat mitzvah” or “was bar/bat mitzvahed”), celebrating the occasion publicly at Beth Am is limited to those students who have fulfilled our Religious School requirements (other than occasional Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes)
Read more at Origins of the B'nai Mitzvah (Bar/Bat Mitzvah) | Reform Judaism
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Death and Mourning:
The death of a loved one is a difficult time, regardless of the particulars of the situation. Beth Am Temple and our experienced Rabbi Daniel Pernick would like to assist you in planning the funeral as well as offer helpful information regarding cemetery arrangements, including the use of our beautiful cemetery in Blauvelt, NY just ten minutes from the Temple.
Please download our brochure and contact us so that we may help to guide you through a
challenging time with compassion and experience.
Read more at Preparing for a Jewish Funeral: A Guide | Reform Judaism