Jewish Life Cycle Rituals

Ceremonies in Judaism
In the Jewish religion, there are particular occasions in a person's life that are marked
and celebrated because they are especially significant. While many times the individual
is the focus of the festivities, the family, and in many cases the entire community,
participate in the commemoration. These special events are some of the most
important practices of Judaism.
According to Jewish beliefs, life is marked by numerous special days in which adherents
take time out of their everyday lives to stop work and focus on God and
hismitzvot (commandments), including daily prayer, Sabbath services and holidays.
These special days not only include weekly or yearly festivities, but also once-in-alifetime celebrations, which often signify the completing of one chapter of life and the
beginning of another.
This section explores the special ceremonies and celebrations that mark important
stages in a Jewish person's life as he or she journeys from birth to death.
Celebrations of Life
Birth and Naming Ceremonies
On the first Sabbath after a Jewish child is born, the infant's father is called forward at
the synagogue to recite thealiyah and ask blessings for the health of mother and child. If
the child is a girl, she is named at this time. Boys will be named on the eighth day after
birth, as part of the rite of circumcision.
Brit Milah: Circumcision
The rite of circumcision (brit milah) is performed on the eighth day of a boy's life. (There
is no parallel practice for girls, and "female circumcision" has nothing to do with
Judaism.) It usually takes place in the morning at the family's home.
Redemption of the Firstborn
The ritual of Pidyon Ha-Ben ("Redemption of the Son") is grounded in the Jewish
concept that first and best things belong to God. In Numbers 8:17, God declares: "Every
firstborn among the Israelites, man as well as beast, is mine."
Coming of Age: Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Under Jewish law, children are not required to observe the commandments, though
they are certainly encouraged and taught to do so. But upon turning 13, a boy is
considered an adult under the law and is expected to obey all the commandments from
then on. He has become a Bar Mitzvah, or "Son of the Commandments." Similarly, a girl
becomes a Bat Mitzvah, "daughter of the commandment," upon turning 12.
Jewish Marriage Traditions
Marriage is highly revered and strongly encouraged in Judaism. The celibate life has
never been considered more holy than the married life, and one must be married in
order to become a rabbi. Judaism's high view of marriage is a direct result of its view of
the home and family as the center of religious life.
Divorce in Judaism
In Judaism, divorce is viewed as a great tragedy, but a sometimes necessary one. In
the Torah, the prophet Malachi declared, "I hate divorce, says Adonai, the God of
Israel." According to the Talmud, "When a man puts aside the wife of his youth, even
the very altar weeps." Yet allowances for divorce have always been a part of Jewish
law.
Death Rituals and the Chevra Kaddisha
While the preservation of life in Judaism is of paramount importance, taking precedence
over nearly all other priorities and observances, death is not therefore abhorred or
devalued. Instead, death is seen as a part of life and a part of God's plan. The extensive
mourning rituals in Judaism do not indicate a rejection or protest of death, but
demonstrate the great value Judaism places on life in general and the life of each
individual person.
Mourning
Mourning in Judaism is extensive, and has several purposes: it shows respect for the
dead, comforts those left behind, discourages excessive mourning, and helps the
bereaved to return to normal life. Mourning is observed for 30 days after burial, very
intensely so in the first seven days. Regular remembrances are performed in the years
following the death.