Babies

Baby Girl

Being ‘Called Up’
At Woodside Park Synagogue it is generally the custom for the father of the baby girl to have an aliyah (to be ‘called up’) in shul on the first Shabbat or first Yom Tov after the birth of his daughter, whichever comes first. He will then be able to formally give his daughter her Jewish name.

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Simchat Bat
Simchat Bat is a ceremony welcoming a baby girl, often held at home. A Hebrew name can be given as part of this ceremony, but the other sections of the ceremony can also take place even if a Hebrew name has been given in shul already. Please email the shul office admin@woodsidepark.org.uk or phone on 020 8445 4236 for more information.

Baby Boy

Shalom Zachor
On the first Friday night after a baby boy is born, some people hold a ‘Shalom Zachar’ where a group will gather at the baby’s home or elsewhere to eat, drink and wish ‘shalom’ to the baby on his first Shabbat.

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Brit Milah
Eight days after birth (unless medical advice is to the contrary) a baby boy must have a circumcision, Brit Milah (aka “Bris”). The baby is named at the Brit as well, and the ceremony is followed by a celebratory meal which includes a special addition to bensching (blessing after a meal). The service itself can take place in a synagogue or in a private home. Please contact the Synagogue Office who will be able to provide further information. The United Synagogue recommend mohalim who are professionally trained and licensed by the Initiation Society

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Pidyon Haben
A first born male (not a Kohen or Levi) who was born in certain specific circumstances should have a Pidyon HaBen (Redeeming the Son) ceremony. This is where the father of the baby ‘redeems’ his son from an obligation to work in the Temple, by giving a Kohen five ‘silver coins’ – usually this is given in an equivalent modern currency. Please contact Rabbi Hackenbroch rabbiph@woodsidepark.org.uk  for more information.

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For more information, please click here to go to the Babies & Brit Milah page on the United Synagogue website.

Baby Blessing

Woodside Park held its first Baby Blessing Ceremony 2004.

The parents of all babies born within the community since the last ceremony bring them into shul and are called up on to the bimah by the Rabbi in groups.

The mothers hold the babies while the fathers place their hands on the babies’ heads and recite the traditional Friday night blessing for boys or girls as appropriate. After the blessing each family is presented with a Certificate, a book and a Woodside Park Teddy Bear.

For more information about dates of the ceremony and what to do next if you wish your baby to take part, please email the shul office admin@woodsidepark.org.uk or phone on 020 8445 4236.