Life Cycle Events

Brit Milah

The Torah commands us to circumcise our newborn sons on the eight day of their new lives. This powerful ceremony celebrates new life, and also brings our sons into Judaism’s sacred covenant. Rabbi’s Voss-Altman & Mack can put you in touch with a Mohel (ritual circumciser), help the parents understand the ceremony, and co-officiate, along with the Mohel.

Baby Naming/Simchat Bat

We celebrate the great blessing of a newborn daughter with a ceremony that brings her into the covenant and confers upon her a Hebrew name.  Rabbi Voss-Altman and Rabbi Mack can help you think through and design this ceremony.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are moving from childhood to adulthood, from learning to be responsible to being responsible. As son or daughter of the commandments, you commit yourself to be proud membership in our ancient people. 

Wedding

Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman and Rabbi Sarah Mack can help you prepare for this wonderful, joyous occasion, by teaching bride and groom the meaning of the ceremony, from Ketubah (marriage document), to Kiddushin (Engagement) to Huppah (Marriage Canopy) to Nissuin (marriage ceremony) to breaking the glass.  We also counsel you, offering Jewish wisdom in preparation for a life dedicated to love and companionship.  We also work with you in designing the ceremony, providing our knowledge and experience.

Funeral

Our tradition offers several powerful end of life rituals – Kriah (tearing of a garment), Levayah (funeral procession), Hesped (eulogy), Kevurah (burial) and Shivah (seven days of mourning). Rabbi Voss-Altman and Rabbi Mack will instruct you on these and other rituals.  We can also perform the funeral ceremony, and help you understand and implement other meaningful Jewish mourning practices.

Sponsoring a Oneg

Whether you are interested in sponsoring a basic Oneg or a full Kiddush luncheon, our staff can assist you with all the preparations! Please contact Executive Director Judy Moseley at 401-331-6070 or jmoseley@temple-beth-el.org for more information!