We are very conscious of family here at Temple Chayai Shalom and life cycle events are a very important aspect of family.  For further information about any of these ceremonies, contact Rabbi Smith.

Birth:  Traditionally, home ceremonies include Brit Milah, or circumcision covenant ceremonies and Simchat HaBat or Brit HaBat ceremonies for girls.  For temple members, at temple, we have baby naming ceremonies, at which time the child is given a Hebrew name and is welcomed into The Covenant.  A Jewish child is one who has at least one Jewish parent, who identifies as being Jewish, and who is being raised solely in the Jewish religion.  For children whose mothers were not Jewish at the time of their birth, we strongly encourage consideration of a conversion ceremony.

Consecration:  This is a ceremony for all children who enter our Religious School.  Usually done in 2nd grade at the holiday of Simchat Torah, the children receive miniature Torahs and certificates.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah:  This is for Jewish 13 year olds who have completed five years of Hebrew School, or are in Hebrew day school, and are enrolled and participate in our Hebrew School at least through the end of 7th grade. 

Confirmation/Kabbalat Torah:  For students who continue their studies at Temple Chayai Shalom, there is the opportunity to participate in a more mature exploration of Judaism, culminating in a service of Confirmation/Kabbalat Torah at Shavuot services in the spring of 9th grade*. Unlike Bar/Bat Mitzvah, which is an individual event, the focus at Confirmation is on the group.  At this age, the students have the maturity to commit themselves to Judaism.  (* Confirmation will be celebrated in 10th grade beginning with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah class of 2007-2008.)

Marriage:  For those who wish to be married in our sanctuary, please contact Rabbi Smith for the wedding policy.

Conversion:  For those interested in conversion, please contact Rabbi Smith.

Illness and Death:  Rabbi Smith makes it a point to try to visit family members who are ill.  She is also available to help families who are coping with a death in the family.  Traditionally, following a funeral, the family sits "shivah" for a week of mourning.  Temple members are ready to help at these times.  Please let Rabbi Smith know immediately when an illness or death occurs.