Everyone’s lives are part of an ongoing journey. The Rabbi offers services for any and all of your life cycle events.
Hebrew Names
We are here to guide you in selecting a Hebrew name for you and your children, teach you about Jewish naming customs and provide an A–Z dictionary of Hebrew names for your perusal.
Brit Milah/Bris (Circumcision)
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. We will help you shape this beautiful and meaningful ceremony to fit your family. Temple Bat Yam boasts among our membership a retired OBGYN who has performed the Brit Milah ceremony with hundreds of families for more than thirty years. Together with Dr. Goldenberg and Rabbi Evon, your family will be blessed to continue this ancient ritual with warmth and celebration.
Simchat Bat (Naming a Girl)
Our clergy have created beautiful ceremonies to welcome our daughters into the Jewish community. This symbolic ritual can take place as part of a Shabbat worship service or as a separate celebration.
B’nai 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. We are happy to celebrate with you and your child on this day by offering B’nai Mitzvah training, tutoring and education for children and adults.
Weddings/Commitment Ceremonies
You found the love of your life, the person you want to marry. Rabbi Yakar is ready to help you create an unforgettable wedding that is fun, celebratory and most importantly, you! He tries to make the wedding process as low stress as he can.
Before your wedding, the Rabbi will meet with you to plan your wedding. These conversations are facilitated in person, via Skype or over the phone. Rabbi Evon works with each couple to craft a unique wedding ceremony. The celebration typically includes the ancient and beautiful Jewish traditions while weaving an address to the couple based on their time spent with the Rabbi.
The Rabbi also creates a special Ketubah signing ceremony held immediately before the wedding for the couple and an intimate gathering of selected family and friends.
When the wedding day arrives, Rabbi Yakar will have gotten to know you both and will be able to share with your guests what marriage and commitment mean to you. Your wedding day will be unique reflection of your relationship and commitment to each other.
Note: Wedding fees for members of Temple Bat Yam are included with your membership.
Funerals 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. We are here for you for the funeral service, minyan service, counseling, the unveiling and anything else you may need during your time of need.
Conversion
Interested in learning more about Judaism? We are here to guide you on your Jewish journey. We offer classes that will give you an introduction to Jewish thought and practice. Rabbi Evon will mentor you through the process. This process typically takes a year and involves study, worship, celebrating each holiday, and trying on traditions.