Jewish Lifecycle Events

Hebrew Names: Learn how to choose and give a Hebrew name to your baby. Read FAQ about Jewish naming customs. Scan an A-Z dictionary of Hebrew names.

Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Son): According to traditional Judaism every first-born child who is male belongs to God, and his parents should "redeem" him by making a symbolic payment? Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Son) is the ritual in which Jewish parents redeem their first-born son.

Brit Milah (Bris): In Judaism, a baby's circumcision is much more than surgery. A Jewish baby's circumcision marks his entrance into the covenant (brit) with God. Learn about the Brit Milah (Bris) in Judaism.

Simchat Bat (Naming a Girl): As opposed to the circumcision of a newborn male on the eighth day, there are no explicit rituals for a newborn female. Instead, there are customs for a Simchat Bat, celebration of a birth of a daughter.

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah: Bar (Bat) Mitzvah literally translates to "son (daughter) of the commandment" and implies that a child has matured to the age where he/she is now a responsible and obligated part of the Jewish community.

Weddings: Perhaps it is the existential threat felt by the Jewish People over the centuries that has imbued Jewish weddings with a special communal and joyful feeling. Learn more about Jewish weddings.

Death and Mourning: Death is natural and inevitable, not a curse, according to Judaism. For those in mourning over the loss of a loved one, Jewish laws on death and mourning can help them to work through their pain.