Baby Namings

Baby Boys 

The birth of a boy is traditionally celebrated with a b’rit milah (sometimes called a bris), or ritual circumcision. The b’rit milah is held on the 8th day following birth (except in unusual situations), and serves to formally welcome the baby boy into the Jewish people.

A b’rit milah is performed by a specially trained individual called a mohel or mohelet (sometimes pronounced “moyel”). Please note that while many doctors are qualified to perform medical circumcisions, most doctors do not have the specialized training necessary to perform a b’rit milah. It is important to find a mohel or mohelet for this ceremony who has the proper credentials. Unfortunately, there are currently no professional mohalim or mohalot in Richmond, but there are several mohalim in our region with whom we are happy to connect you (many of whom are also physicians). Please contact Rabbi Knopf for recommendations. 

The most important part of scheduling your b’rit milah is securing your mohel or mohelet. Once the baby is born, you will schedule a date and time for the b’rit milah with your mohel or mohelet. Our clergy would be honored to participate in the ceremony as well. Please be in touch with a clergy member to discuss their role/s in the ceremony.

Many have their son’s b’rit milah and the celebratory meal that traditionally follows in their own (or a family member’s) home, though some choose to use our chapel, sanctuary, or social hall. Contact Norma Fiedler at n.fiedler@bethelrichmond.org if you’d like to use a space at the synagogue. 

Are you waiting to find out the assigned sex of your baby? 

If you’re planning for a surprise in the delivery room, just give us a heads-up so we know your celebration is on the horizon. We have done many such celebrations and can do so on very little notice!

Spiritual Preparation for Parenthood

Some new parents choose to immerse in the Mikveh to mark their passage into parenthood. For new fathers, this immersion can happen at any time. For new mothers, it should happen after postpartum bleeding has finished. Please contact Rabbi Knopf and/or Cantor Rosenblatt with any questions about these practices. To schedule time in our Mikveh, please contact Norma Fiedler.

For New Parents 

Having children is a great blessing, but the lived experience of being a parent doesn’t always feel that way! Navigating your new family configuration, finding the right balance for work and family responsibilities, working through a changing relationship with a spouse or partner, struggling with postpartum depression, and other challenges can affect both new mothers and fathers. If you need someone to talk to, please contact a clergy member to set up a confidential appointment.

We are also proud to offer some wonderful programs for tots and their grown-ups: Our lively, joyful, and musical Tot Shabbat (monthly on Shabbat mornings), and our Chaverim Katanim Tot Family Playgroup (some Sunday mornings), featuring music, stories, crafts and movement, are wonderful ways for young children and their grown-ups to connect with each other and Judaism. Please be in touch with our Director of Youth Learning, Ramona Brand, for more information.

We also love having children of all ages and stages (and their grown-ups!) join us for our weekly Shabbat services.  We hope you’ll take this as a personal invitation to join us for services any (or every!) week.

Let our Temple Beth-El community help and support your growing family! Contact TBECaringCrews@gmail.com, whether before or after your child is welcomed into your family. We’ll be in touch to discuss how we can be there for you!

 *Literally,  “in good time,"  the traditional response when someone is expecting a child, rather than mazal tov, which typically means “congratulations.”   B’shaah tovah is preferred because it implies the anticipation of future joy, whereas mazal tov celebrates something that has already happened.