Welcoming a new baby into the Jewish people and into the Jewish community is one of the most exhilarating occasions at Anshe Emet. It is a benefit of membership to utilize our clergy, space, and staff to officiate, host and help you coordinate your simcha, this wonderful event. Please contact Tory May at vmay@ansheemet.org / 773.868.5120 right away if you are an expecting parent.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Brit Milah (widely known as bris), the covenant of circumcision, is a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people that was first established with our ancestor, Abraham, and then renewed at Sinai when the Jewish people received the Torah.
Brit Milah ceremonies are held during the day, eight days after the baby boy is born. The ceremony can take place in the synagogue or privately at home. Please fill out our Bris form and contact Tory May at vmay@ansheemet.org / 773.868.5120 for scheduling options of this simcha.
Parents should contact the mohel (the trained medical and religious professional who performs the circumcision) directly. You can find a complete listing of Chicago-area mohelim in the Jewish United Fund’s Guide to Jewish Living. Please click here to access the Mohelim page of the Guide directly.
Anshe Emet offers several options of Naming Ceremonies to welcome baby girls.
Parents of a baby girl may be honored by being called up to the Torah for an Aliyah on Shabbat to name the child. After the blessing following the Torah reading, the Rabbi recites a prayer welcoming the new baby into the community. It is traditional to contribute to the Kiddush Lunch after Shabbat Morning Services to celebrate this happy occasion.
Alternatively, the family may choose to have a smaller ceremony during different services, such as the Shabbat afternoon service, Mincha. Another option is a private ceremony not bound to any prayer service, either at the Synagogue or at home.
Please fill out our Baby Naming form and contact Tory May at vmay@ansheemet.org / 773.868.5120 for more information and scheduling options.
