By By Rabbi-Cantor Cheri Weiss
When my daughter, Emma, was five months old, her dad and I brought her to a synagogue for a ceremony known as Simchat Bat (Joy of a Daughter). She wore a maroon velvet dress, little white tights and tiny black shoes. She charmed the rabbi by smiling and showing off her first four teeth. We confused the rabbi by not bestowing upon her a separate Hebrew first name as is customary in this country.
“Emma Hilah,” we told him. “Hilah” means “halo” in Hebrew, and by giving her this name, I felt as though we were asking an angel to always watch over her. Her Israeli dad was used to families giving their children just one (usually Hebrew) name. Middle names are not generally given to children in Israel, whereas here in the U.S. it is the norm. So, a secular first name and a Hebrew middle name was our compromise.
While there is no commandment in the Torah to officially welcome a baby girl into the Jewish community, it has become a popular and meaningful ritual for many families. The parents may explain to those gathered why they have chosen their child’s Hebrew name. Perhaps they are honoring a beloved family member who has passed away or selected the name of a biblical character they admire. The ceremony may include blessings not only by the rabbi, but the parents, grandparents, or older siblings as well. For example: “May you grow to be a strong woman, one educated in Torah, justice, and loving kindness. May you be grounded in this world with your eyes lifted toward the heavens. May you always be sensitive to the needs of your family, friends, community, and world around you.”
The commandment of Brit Milah—to circumcise male children—is found in the Book of Genesis. God says to Abraham, “… Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days…” (Chapter 17:10-12). The actual procedure of removing the baby’s foreskin is performed by a trained mohel. Various blessings are recited including those over wine and bread, and some additional prayers and readings may be offered by family members to officially welcome the child into the Jewish community. As is the case with other joyful Jewish celebrations, the Brit Milah and Simchat Bat ceremonies are usually followed by a celebratory meal.
While a Brit Milah or Simchat Bat may take place in a synagogue, it is common these days to hold such ceremonies in private homes. Computer and phone apps make it easy to include family members who live far away. These beautiful rituals allow families to make a commitment to raise their child in a Jewish environment, instill in them a love of Judaism and Torah, and pass down their Jewish heritage l‘dor va-dor, from one generation to the next.
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