Rites for a Jewish Newborn Boy

Most Jewish festivals and life cycle events are steeped in tradition and provide the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. All branches of Judaism from the most observant ultra-Orthodox, to Reform, Reconstructionist and Egalitarian have similar rites to welcome a new baby boy into his family and the Jewish community.

  1. Significance of a Boy

    • Men and women have distinct roles in traditional Judaism. Men have a more active role in the synagogue, both during prayer and for rituals at home. When a male child is born, certain rites are performed that are not obligatory for female babies. Although the more progressive streams of Judaism have adopted parallel celebrations for newborn girls, those rites are not as widely practiced.

    Shalom Zacher

    • On the first Friday night, Sabbath eve, after the baby's birth, a small party celebrates the start of the new life. The word "shalom" means peace and is also used as a term of greeting. "Zachar" means male. This event might be celebrated at the parents' home or the synagogue. It's usually held after the conclusion of the Sabbath dinner. Sometimes mother and baby are still in the hospital, so the shalom zachar takes place without their presence. Light refreshments, often including chickpeas and beer, are served.

    Brit Milah

    • A brit milah, usually referred to as a "bris," is ritual circumcision. This is considered the defining moment of a Jewish male child's life. This surgical procedure, performed on the eighth day of the child's life, marks the acceptance of the child into the religion. This commandment, or "mitzvah," is proscribed in the Torah, Judaism's most sacred text. The ancient patriarch, Abraham, performed a bris on himself and all the males in his household, forming the eternal bond, or covenant, between God and the Jews. The baby is officially given his name during the ceremony.

    Pidyon Haben

    • Pidyon haben means the redemption of the firstborn. This rite is performed only on firstborn sons on the 30th day after birth. It involves placing the infant on a silver tray and the infant's father giving five silver coins to a kohan, or member of the priestly tribe. Jewish boys who trace their lineage back to the ancient priesthood, Kohanim, or those of the tribe of Levi, the Temple musicians, are exempt from this ritual. According to Chabad.org, the purpose of this rite is to
      remind us that everything comes from God and that we should acknowledge our appreciation by dedicating our most precious things to Him. Prayers are recited, and a meal with bread and wine are served.

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