Jewish Traditions of Baby Naming Gifts
A Jewish baby's naming ceremony is seen as an important moment in the child's life, and it is traditional to give gifts. As the purpose of a naming ceremony is to present the baby with a Hebrew name, gifts relating to the baby's name and religious gifts are appropriate. Other more practical presents are also well received in the Jewish tradition.
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Religious Gifts
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As a baby's naming ceremony is a religious event and highly important in the Jewish family calendar, religious gifts are traditional presents to give. Kiddush is a prayer recited over a cup of wine in the synagogue or at home. Kiddush cups, made of silver or pewter, often have elaborate designs with the family's emblem on them. They can be made for children as well as adults, and for a baby naming present, it is traditional to have the child's name and birth date engraved on it. A mezuza is another traditional gift. A piece of cloth or parchment with a prayer from the Torah transcribed on it, it is traditionally hung on walls or next to the front door. As a baby gift it will often be presented on blue or pink material to reflect the baby's gender.
Baby's Name
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Great importance is placed on a baby's name, as the name often honors a member of the family or close person to the family who has passed on. Hebrew names are also often highly symbolic; for example, the name Nes means miracle. Presenting the child with a gift that has his name on it is, therefore, an extremely meaningful as well as traditional present. Hebrew birth plates, sometimes called Jewish birth certificates, are inscribed with the child's name and date of birth. They are traditionally hung in the family's household.
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Practical Gifts
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Giving practical gifts that cater to the baby's needs are also welcomed in the Jewish tradition. From clothes and blankets to toys and baby books, they are often greatly appreciated. If you want to personalize the gifts, you could get a baby bib or blanket with the child's name embroidered on it or a Jewish prayer stitched in. Retailer, such as Oy Toys also sell Jewish books for infants that would be suitable as gifts the baby can read and cherish as she grows older.
Money
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Giving a new baby money as a gift is also traditional in Jewish culture. Opening a savings account for the child is popularly done around the time of the baby naming ceremony, and a gift of money is seen as an investment in the child's future. You could also buy stocks for the child if you would prefer not to give cash or a check.
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