Upon the birth of a Jewish child, both family and community join in the celebration. The Rabbi is available to offer guidance regarding the early lifecycle events for your newborn.

A Brit Milah, marking the covenant of circumcision, can occur either at home or within the synagogue premises, 8 days after the birth (unless not possible for medical reasons, in which case it can happen later when possible). Traditionally we give the baby his name at the conclusion of the Brith Mila. We can recommend a proficient mohel and make the arrangements.

We can also assist in arranging a brocha to commemorate the occasion, and can assist with guidance for all the arrangements around this simcha

Additionally, in specific instances, a first-born son not only undergoes Brit Milah but is also ‘redeemed’ of his special sanctity thirty days post-birth by a Cohen, in a ceremony called Pidyon HaBen. We can facilitate this ceremony and should there be no family member or friend available to fulfil this role, we can arrange a suitable Cohen. 

In Sephardic communities there is a tradition of welcoming a new born girl with a celebration called zeved habat, or “gift of the daughter.” In Ladino this is known as, las fadas or la fijola. The Las Fadas ceremony can take place, in the synagogue, or at home, any time from about a week until about a month after birth. If families will celebrate Las Fadas in the Kehila on a Shabbat morning with their infant daughter, should it be the first time back for the mother, she is given the opportunity to recite the Birkat Hagomel.

Alternatively, Fathers are encouraged to attend the first possible service after the birth of their daughter in order to name her on the bimah

Following the ceremony, the family often sponsors a Kiddush (Brocha) to further commemorate the occasion. At the Kiddush, it is traditional for the mother to walk the baby around the brocha table whilst the congregation sings, to ensure that her future will always be plentiful and filled with Sephardi tradition.

The rabbi is available to discuss with you the options which best suits your requirements.

Please contact us in advance of the expected birth to make all the arrangements in advance, for your peace of mind.