Life Cycle

Birth

The birth of a baby brings wonder and happiness to the family. Please notify us so we can wish you Mazal Tov and pass on your exciting news to the whole community. We would be delighted to have a Baby Blessing as part of our Shabbat service. Please contact us if you would like to plan such an event.

If you have a baby boy – we would be pleased to help you find a mohel to arrange a brit milah (circumcision).

In addition, we organise meal trains for new parents in the community, and would be delighted to bring you some delicious home-cooked meals!

Bar / Bat Mitzvah  

In our community, both girls and boys celebrate becoming Bnei Mitzvah at the age of 13. This is a wonderful, joyous occasion and a chance to celebrate with the whole community.

As part of their learning, children in years 7-8 learn with Rabbi Roni about what it means to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and how best to prepare for the day.

Children normally prepare their Torah portions with a private tutor which the shul can help arrange. Please get in touch around 18 months before the date to discuss arrangements.

 

Marriage / Shutafut

Our growing community would be delighted to help you with the arrangements for your wedding, whether it is a traditional Chuppah, or a same-sex Shutafut ceremony. Rabbi Roni would be delighted to speak with you about your options, and help you to craft the celebration that’s right for you.

You can find out more in our Wedding Guidelines 

 

Bereavement

We wish you and your family strength during this time of grief.  We want to do everything we can to help and support you. We can provide officiants to lead the prayers at the Shivah.

The shul sends out details of bereavements to a list of members who have indicated that they would like to receive this information. It is a simple and helpful way of telling the community, so that we can support you.

Members joining our shul are encouraged to also sign up for Burial Society with JJBS.

 

Yahrzeit – the anniversary of the death 

Yahrzeit is a time of remembering the person who has died by reciting the Kaddish (the memorial prayer) and lighting a 24-hour candle. As is the case in all Jewish holidays, yahrzeit observance begins at dusk.

It is traditional to observe yahrzeit on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, according to the Hebrew calendar.  If you would like us to remind you about preparing for yahrzeit observance, please let us know the Hebrew date of your loved one’s death. Please let us know if it is your yahzeit, so we can include you in our Shabbat prayers.

 

Other Life Events / Simchas and celebrations 

Please let us know about any other life events, so that we can support and celebrate with you.