We celebrate life cycle events—and come together to support members during difficult times—as we mark important milestones in the lives of our members. These events reflect the values and traditions of the Reform Jewish movement while also incorporating individual and cultural practices, inclusive of all family members, regardless of their religious background.
Brit Milah/Baby Naming: When a child is born, the family may choose to celebrate the birth and welcome the child into the Jewish community through a Brit Milah (circumcision) or a Baby Naming ceremony. The ceremony incorporates blessings, prayers, and the giving of the Hebrew name.
B’nai mitzvah (Bar/Bat Mitzvah): A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a significant coming-of-age milestone in the Jewish tradition, when our young teens are recognized as responsible members of the Jewish community. The ceremony takes place during a Shabbat service and includes the B’nai Mitzvah child leading prayers, reading from the Torah for the first time, chanting a haftorah portion, and delivering a D’var Torah (a personal reflection or interpretation of the Torah portion). B’nai Mitzvah students are tutored by the Director of the Jewish Learning Collaborative of Metrowest, Orna Sonnenschein, of which B’nai Torah MetroWest is a part.
Weddings: Our joyous wedding ceremonies blend traditional Jewish elements with contemporary practices and individual preferences, making each ceremony unique. Our wedding ceremonies typically include blessings, the exchange of vows, the giving of rings, and the signing of the Ketubah (a Jewish marriage contract). The involvement of the couple in shaping the ceremony is encouraged, making it a meaningful and personal experience. As Reform Jews, we affirm the right of each person to choose one’s soul mate and marry couples in which one of the two partners may not be Jewish.
End of Life – Funerals and Mourning Practices: Few of us are prepared for the death of a loved one, but it is a reality with which we each must learn to cope. While your personal journey through this difficult time is unique, know that you are not alone. We hope that the love of family, friends, and your temple community will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Whether it be providing minyan, supplying a meal, or having someone to talk to, we are here to help you and your family.
When a member of the congregation passes away or loses a loved one, B’nai Torah MetroWest provides support and guidance to the bereaved family. Funeral services often take place at the synagogue or a funeral home, incorporating prayers, readings, and eulogies. Our spiritual leader, Cantor Kate Judd, is available to counsel families during a time of loss and meet with them to plan and officiate at the funeral service. As is customary, families may also choose to hold services at home during the week following the funeral (shiva). Our lay leaders and members of our Caring Committee help support families while they are sitting Shiva.
In the case of a recent death, the name of the deceased will be read during Friday evening Shabbat services (which take place twice per month), following the funeral and continuing for four weeks (shloshim). Members may elect to have the name of the deceased called out at the yearly anniversaries of the death of their loved one (yahrzeit), and at the afternoon Memorial Service on Yom Kippur (yizkor), names of those who passed away in the prior year are read.