Beth Shalom is affiliated with the Progressive (Reform) Movement, and as such has adopted Synagogue ritual practices consistent with Progressive (Reform) Halacha (law) and standards. These practices have been adopted, and re-evaluated over many years by the Ritual Committee. The minhag (customs) have evolved based upon our understanding of Progressive (Reform) Judaism, the decisions of the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards, an appreciation for the particular traditions of our own Synagogue, and of course, the guidance of our Rabbis.

These customs cover all Synagogue ritual and every life cycle event. As Synagogue members, we are all participants in Synagogue ritual and from time to time all of us, whether adult, teen or child, will participate, individually or as a family, in one or more of the life cycle events. Therefore, we present this summary of Beth Shalom's Synagogue ritual decisions, in an effort to encourage full understanding and appreciation of our interpretation of Halacha and standards. Please feel free to contact the Rabbi to discuss these matters in more detail.

Birth

The birth of a baby is truly a miracle! What better place to celebrate than in the Synagogue! An aliyah (being called to the Torah) will be arranged for a parent or grandparent so that this simcha can be shared with the entire congregation.

If the newborn is female, the baby is given her Hebrew name at the conclusion of an aliyah when the Torah is read. One of the parents is called up to the Torah to recite the blessings. The other parent and the siblings are also invited to the bimah to recite the Sh'hechiyanu and be present when the Rabbi asks for G-d's blessings. Girls should be named as soon as possible after birth because of the tradition that it is always best to fulfil a mitzvah as soon as possible. The naming of newborn (under six months) daughters of members of Beth Shalom, or children of Synagogue members, will be arranged for Shabbat morning. All other girls may be named any other time the Torah is read.

If the newborn is male, the baby is given his Hebrew name as part of the Brit Milah ("Bris") ceremony. In accordance with Jewish law and tradition, the Brit Milah is on the eighth day of life. The ceremony includes the appropriate prayers and the asking for G-d's blessings.

The Rabbi will be happy to help in any way, such as in selecting a Hebrew name, arranging the Brit Milah or assisting in supplemental naming ceremonies at home. They will be pleased to attend, dependent, of course, upon their availability and personal schedules.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is one of the most joyous and significant events in the life of a child and for all the members of the family, including the Synagogue family. It signifies the point where the child chooses to publicly accept the responsibilities and privileges of being a Jewish adult. In our Synagogue the minhag is that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah leads the congregation in prayer and is then called to the Torah at Shabbat morning services.

According to Jewish law, the Bar Mitzvah takes place after a boy reaches the age of thirteen years. Girls must be twelve years or older.

Preparation for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an ongoing educational process for all of our students. At the appropriate time, Torah and Service reading skills are added to the curriculum. Students are required to attend Hebrew School for at least two years and to have at least 9 months' private study with the tutors and in consultation with the Rabbi

Weddings

With all wedding preparations, one of the first decisions to make is the selection of the date. The Rabbi should be contacted to make certain that the dates and ceremony starting being considered are consistent with Jewish law and tradition.

We hope that you will consider having your ceremony and/or celebration here in the Synagogue. Since marriage is a religious, as well as civil ceremony, what more appropriate place could there be? The Rabbi will schedule all ceremonies in the Synagogue. The Rabbi may participate in wedding ceremonies that take place in other locations.

Funerals

Judaism is a faith that deals with all aspects of life, and death is an integral part of the life cycle. At the time we are confronted with death, a myriad of emotions and questions arise. The Synagogue is the place to turn for guidance and support. As there is a Jewish way of life, there is a Jewish way of death. The Burial & Benevolent Society and the Rabbi will guide you and your loved ones through this very difficult time.

We encourage our members to contact the Synagogue office, the Burial & Benevolent Society or the Rabbi before making funeral arrangements. The Synagogue telephones are not answered on Shabbat or Festivals. If a death occurs on those days, the telephone is answered with a pre-recorded message giving details of the procedure to follow.

The Burial & Benevolent Society will assist you in ensuring that all Halachic (Jewish law) standards are followed. These include Taharah (ritual washing of the body), Tachrichim (funeral shroud) and use of a wooden casket.

The congregation considers it a mitzvah to assist the bereaved family in a number of ways. The traditional Meal of Consolation immediately following the funeral will offered by the Burial & Benevolent Society. If desired, Synagogue members will help maintain a minyan in the house of shiva and will serve as minyan leaders and service readers.

Yahrzeits (anniversaries) are acknowledged at Shabbat services during the month of the anniversary and at all Yiskor (memorial) services.

Again, the Burial & Benevolent Society is available to make funeral arrangements and meet the bereaved family's practical, religious or spiritual needs.

Other Life Cycle Events

During the course of the year, there may be special birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions which are appropriately celebrated in the Synagogue. An aliyah may be arranged, a kiddush sponsored or a celebration scheduled.

Prayers for the sick, Yahrzeit memorials and aliyot of thanksgiving may be arranged. Visits to the ill, counselling and teaching are all on-going functions of our Rabbi, affiliates and volunteer members. We encourage you to contact the Synagogue so that we can offer help.