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Brit Milah & Baby Naming

We are so excited to offer congratulations on the blessing of a new arrival to your family.  The brit milah and baby naming ceremonies welcome babies into the covenant of the Jewish people.

The brit milah is conducted on the 8th day—it can be conducted in the synagogue or the home. There are numerous  mohalim (circumcisers) in our area and we are happy to offer phone numbers or help you choose the right mohel for you. Often our rabbis also participate in the ceremony, offering words of explanation and reciting the prayer to give your son his Hebrew name.  It is customary to have a meal in connection with the brit milah.  If your event will take place in the synagogue, we offer a list of approved Kosher caterers who can prepare the meal for you.

While there is no fixed date for a baby naming, families typically choose to celebrate in the first few months of the girl’s life.  Parents are invited to the Torah for an aliyah, at which time the rabbi recites a prayer to give her her Hebrew name.  Some families choose to follow the aliyah with a more elaborate ceremony in the home; our clergy is available to help plan and conduct  that ceremony as well.

We look forward to celebrating your simcha with you.

Rabbi Michael J. Safra

Let's Get Started

We look forward to working with you to plan your Brit Milah or Baby Naming at B’nai Israel.

Learn more here about steps to take both before and after your baby is born.

For additional questions about planning your event, please contact our Events Manager Patricia Simitakos at 301-816-5573.

She looks forward to hearing from you. Mazal Tov to you and your extended families!

Receive a B'nai Israel Baby GiftBag

New baby in the family? B'nai Israel would love to gift you a special backpack sponsored by the Feldman Family Endowment Fund featuring a stuffed Torah, books and more. Our clergy will always present you with one of these giftbags at your brit milah or baby naming. Should you wish to request a bag as a gift or have any questions, please contact Avery Sudow.

Meet New Parents at B'nai

"We were new to B'nai Israel so planning for the bris felt like it was the first time. The staff was very helpful in answering our questions. Sharon Safra helped us navigate our list of local Mohels. And Rabbi Schnitzer and Rabbi Safra were incredibly warm—both attended and participated in the bris. They made us and our extended families feel like we were long-time members of the community."

–Bluma and Jeff S., parents of Marc, Sadie, and Jordan

“We are so happy that we had our son's bris at B'nai Israel. The event was beautiful and stress free, and the staff made sure everything ran smoothly. Our family and friends were impressed with the facilities and the warmth of the ceremony. It was wonderful to celebrate with our congregational family at B'nai Israel.”

–Karen F. and Jeff P., parents of Ruthie and Elliot

“We are grateful for the tremendous support we received from the B'nai Israel clergy and community for our daughter's baby naming. They helped us plan a naming during Shabbat services, as well as a private ceremony in our home. It was truly special to celebrate this joyous occasion with the congregation, and then our family and friends in a more intimate setting.”

– Jessica and Brian N., parents of Benjamin and Zoe

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784