At Belsize Square Synagogue we are committed to giving our children the brightest and most joyous start in their lives. Depending on their wishes, both parents may be called to the Torah with their new-born child, or a ceremony may be held on the bimah at the end of the service. Either way, the entire congregation shares in the parents’ nachas (joy) in the greatest miracle of all — the birth of a child.
The new-born receives a blessing from his/her parents, a blessing from the rabbi, and “mazal tov” from the congregation, and a naming certificate that keeps a record of the bestowal of the Hebrew name and of this first celebration of life.
It says in Genesis, 17:9, that we are commanded to “Keep the Covenant throughout the generations”, so that the hope of that instruction from God will get the very best start, a glorious beginning to a life we pray will be blessed by physical, moral and spiritual blessing.
Parents and rabbi will consult before the Shabbat on the appropriate Hebrew name, one which captures family memory and enriched by Jewish significance.