Jewish Naming Ceremony for a Baby Girl
As Judaism celebrates the birth of baby boys with a Bris, baby girls are celebrated at their naming ceremony. Called a Berit Bat or Simchat Bat, the ceremony can be held in a temple or at home. It is a joyous occasion with family and friends in attendance. Once she receives her Hebrew name, a baby girl will use it at religious ceremonies throughout her life including at her Bat Mitzvah, High Confirmation, her wedding and funeral service.
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Time Frame
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While the Torah dictates that a baby boy must receive his Hebrew name on the eighth day of his life, there is not a steadfast rule for when a baby girl naming ceremony should take place. Traditionally it is held on the first Sabbath after she is born, but it can take place at any time during the first two months of the baby girl's life.
Temple Celebration
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If the parents are affiliated with a temple or synagogue, the baby girl naming ceremony can be held at that location. It is celebrated during a Shabbat worship service during which the baby's parents are called up with their infant daughter for an aliyah, or reading of the Torah. Blessings are recited both before and after the reading of the Torah.
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Home Celebration
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If the baby girl's parents are not members of a temple or synagogue, the Berit Bat or Simchat Bat can take place inside their home, the home of a friend or relative, or at a local establishment like a restaurant or hotel. A Rabbi will conduct a Sabbat service with a traveling Torah and a portable Chuppah, or canopy. Naming the baby under a Chuppah is significant as her parents hope in the future she will be married under a Chuppah as well during a traditional Jewish marriage ceremony.
The Ceremony
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The Jewish baby girl naming ceremony includes Shabbat services, public readings from the Torah, songs, prayers and special blessings. The Rabbi will wrap the baby in a traditional tallit, or prayer shawl. During the Torah readings, a Mi Sheberach blessing is said that includes prayers for the baby's and the mother's continued health. The parents are then presented with a commemorative naming certificate. The ceremony is usually followed by a Kiddush ritual during which family and friends share food and drink.
Checklist
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To ensure a smooth and joyous baby girl naming ceremony, parents should prepare in advance. They will be asked to explain the reasons behind the choice of the baby's Hebrew name including what the name means, if it is a relative's name, and what they hope the name will bring to their child. Parents should also provide Challah bread and wine for the Shabbat and Kiddush. They will also need to bring the Kiddush cup from their own wedding ceremony.
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References
- Photo Credit baby image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
