Jewish no Bris is about the choices of the parents.
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This article is created to fulfill a need, to assist, to embrace.
Brit Shalom – Jewish No Bris
NO CIRCUMCISION – Jewish No Bris
It is not uncommon today for Rabbi Andrea Frank to hear that parents chose to not circumcise their newborn sons. Per tradition, this takes place on the eighth day of their lives. The custom today is unlike when the custom was first mentioned and commanded by G-d in the Torah. To separate from all others, the chosen people. The custom was adopted by many faiths and many cultures.
Parents are making choices they feel is best and most comfortable with them. However, where we embrace them is the focus on the blessing of a child, a son is a family.
THE TIMES HAVE CHANGED – BRIT SHALOM
No Bris, today, does not change who the parents are or who the child is. The child is welcomed into the Covenant with G-d’s blessing during their Naming Ceremony. This child will be raised with a Jewish education by his parents. He will be loved by all family members. He will likely have a Bar Mitzvah at age thirteen. There is much reason to celebrate and commemorate the gift of new life. Our future generations.
A Naming Ceremony for those parents choosing the Jewish No Bris is called Brit Shalom. It is customary for Jewish babies born in the Diaspora (outside of Israel) to be given two names, a secular name, and a Hebrew name. Some are unique boy names that are biblical names and some are connected to a beloved family member. Those names honor their memory to continue through the child. It creates a connection to Jewish roots. The family members will always be remembered for they are part of the family tree.
A Naming Ceremony Brit Shalom does not involve a Mohel. It is a Rabbi to provide the blessings announcing the Hebrew name the parents have chosen.
A Naming Ceremony announcing Jewish names offers the gathering of friends and family to everyone at once, making it a wonderful celebration of the new life that added extra joy to all in attendance.
WHEN TO HAVE THE NAMING CEREMONY?
Following the custom on the eighth day is a nice way to honor tradition for the eighth day. On the eighth day, the world is complete. If not on the eighth day, it is customary to have a Brit Shalom when the baby is 1-3 months.
WHAT TAKES PLACE AT A NAMING CEREMONY WITH RABBI ANDREA FRANK
Rabbi Andrea put together a beautiful, meaningful Naming Ceremony for our Sons. This is a brief overview and will leave you with deep connection and joy that a Brit Shalom Naming Ceremony was the right decision that fits you.
- Rabbi Andrea Frank’s baby naming ceremony for our sons takes place under the Chuppah because he is brought into the Covenant by his parents as he will be brought to the Chuppah on his wedding day.
- He will be wrapped in a traditional tallit (tallis) and a prayer recited for our sons to grow in health and goodness. That his life is enriched by the blessings of Torah (study), Chuppah (a good marriage), and Maasim Tovim (good deeds).
- Beautiful prayers will be blessed upon your son surrounded by family and friends. For we are to praise G-d as children are a blessing.
THE CELEBRATION MEAL
The custom to break bread together is the visual symbolism of the Challah bread. The blessing is the Motzi, for which a wonderful loaf of challah bread will be needed. G-d provides food from the earth. This beautiful ceremony often takes place in the parents’ home or the grandparent’s homes. Not necessarily a rented space for larger parties. An intimate setting is all that is needed. Typically, dairy, and with today’s dietary choices, vegetarian or vegan platters are served instead of a heavy meal. The staples of tradition are bagels, lox, spreads, tuna and egg salad with toppings.
THE NEXT STEP
When you have decided to have the No Bris Naming Ceremony Brit Shalom, Rabbi Andrea Frank will be happy to assist you in arrangements so you have everything ready for the special day. She has created a special, intimate, Naming Ceremony. She will go over the order of the ceremony, the details, so you know what will be done and when. She will make sure the chuppah will be there and will officiate the ceremony. Parents receive a Naming Certificate with the Hebrew Name and details from the Naming. This same Certificate becomes an important document in the later years for various life cycle ceremonies and in-between. A special day everyone in attendance will remember fondly as the child grows up.