Lifecycle Events & Simchas

The most important part of synagogue life is having a community to support you during your most exciting and most difficult life moments. Our clergy are here to ensure you are prepared for these important lifecycle events:

B’nai Mitzvah (Teen & Adult)

At Hamakom, b’nai mitzvah is a deeply personal and participatory experience. Each child (or adult) is guided by our clergy to lead prayers, chant from the Torah and Haftarah, and share their own ethical reflections on their Torah portion. Parents take an active role in the service, offering words of blessing and meaning to their child. This milestone is not just a celebration but a profound journey of learning, leadership, and connection to Jewish tradition and community.

B'NAI MITZVAH RESOURCES AND DOCUMENTS

Weddings/Auf Rufs

Everybody loves a wedding, especially at Hamakom. An auf ruf celebrates the upcoming marriage with both bride and groom receiving special blessings from the Rabbi and the entire congregation before the Torah. Wedding ceremonies can be held in the sanctuary or outdoors. Wedding dinners, buffets, and luncheons my be catered by your choice from our panel of approved caterers and prepared in our own kosher kitchen.

Baby Namings/Brit Milah

One of our most joyous religious events is the giving of a Jewish name to our new babies. Special prayers are said for the parents and babies. Baby namings can be held at either Friday night or Shabbat morning services, or at a special private ceremony and celebration. Our clergy gladly take part in the Brit Milah (religious circumcision) ceremonies of male children on the eighth day (with the assistance of a mohel, of course). 

Bereavements

One of the most sacred of Jewish duties is to comfort and assist the bereaved. We can help with arrangements at all local Jewish cemeteries.

If a member of your family passes away, please call the synagogue as soon as possible so we can help guide you through the funeral and shiva minyan arrangements. There are after office hours instructions for our clergy, so you can all anytime.

Volunteers from the Community of Caring may be available to visit the home while the family is at the funeral and set up the Meal of Consolation and other items necessary for the Shiva. Our Community of Caring is there to also provide comfort and support. And, of course, our Clergy is there for you as always.

Jews by Choice/Conversion

Many individuals who seek a spiritual home find Judaism attractive. At Hamakom we welcome all seekers to explore what Judaism offers. We recognize that conversion to Judaism represents a challenging, powerful, and transformative undertaking and we are honored to offer our assistance during the journey.  We understand that conversion represents a choice that must be made by an individual of his or her own free will.

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