has anyone ever been to a baby naming ceremony

for a baby girl?
If so - can you tellme about it...was it at a home - temple - ?? I am looking for ideas

Re: has anyone ever been to a baby naming ceremony

I went to one in a temple once. They performed the ceremony and then we ate.

Re: has anyone ever been to a baby naming ceremony

I've been to two, they were both at the temple (which is where I think they usually are?). It's during regular Saturday morning services. How long it is depends on the temple and how long morning services usually are. It will probably be at least an hour. There are readings and everything, and usually the family of the baby will get called up for an Aaliyah, and then the Rabbi will say some prayers for the baby, giving her her official hebrew name. The Rabbi or parents might talk a little bit about what the Hebrew names mean and why they were chosen, and ask everyone to pray that the baby will live a long and joyful life, etc. Usually the family will provide food at the temple and after the blessing are performed over the challah and wine, the family and the temple community will join in a celebratory meal. How formal it is will really depend on the temple and the family. The two I've been two were at the temple we go to once in awhile in New Hyde Park and the other was up in Woodstock, so they were drastically different. I think that's the gyst of it. Jewish girls can correct me where I'm wrong.


ETA: I think I answered the wrong question. I see you're looking for ideas, not for what it involves. I think the most meningful thing to me when I was at a babay naming was when the parents and rabbi talked about what the names meant and why they were chosen, who they were named after and what they specifically hoped for the baby's future. I really thought that was beautiful. I'm not sure what you're asking for in terms of ideas.

Message edited 8/15/2005 5:44:50 PM.