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The practical, inspiring guide for all Jewish people expecting a baby. Expanded, updated, and revised.
A complete resource to the traditions and rituals for welcoming a new child to the world and into the Jewish community, and for commemorating this joyous event in family life—whatever your family constellation.
- Provides ceremonies you can copy for handouts so that guests are an even greater part of the experience.
- Special section for interfaith families helps make the celebrations inclusive, comfortable, and joyous for all.
- Ceremonies for girls, as well as for boys.
"Drawn from the wealth of mythic, historic, religious, culinary, and literary traditions that surround the arrival of a new Jewish baby, and informed by contemporary insight and practice, The New Jewish Baby Book describes the many ways that new parents can celebrate the arrival of a child, the newest member of your extended families, and a unique and precious chapter in the on-going saga of the Jewish people."
—from the Introduction
"I've never been religious, but during my pregnancy I had a lot of questions about Jewish traditions ... this book helped me make all the decisions."
—Robin Wolaner, founder, Parenting magazine
"Lovely.... Does a wonderful job of explaining aspects of traditional Jewish law—meaningful suggestions make tradition relevant to contemporary situations."
—American Library Association's Booklist
“Weaves together history, traditions, laws and practices, rituals and prayers to form a beautiful tapestry.... A wonderful resource.”
—Rabbi Joy Levitt (Reconstructionist), associate executive director of programming at the Manhattan JCC
“A book that all Jewish parents—no matter how religious—will find fascinating as well as useful. It is a perfect shower or new baby gift.”
—Pamela Abrams, executive editor, Parents magazine
“Skillfully teaches how traditional Jewish ritual enhances life’s most sacred moments and stimulates thinking about developing new practices that acknowledge the changing nature of the Jewish family and demonstrate sensitivity to issues of gender and adoption.”
—Rabbi William H. Lebeau (Conservative), vice chancellor, The Jewish Theological Seminary of America
“Gives all of us—experts and novices alike—the ability and confidence to begin our Jewish child rearing on a profound and sacred plane.”
—
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part 1: Chai—Life
Conception
Pregnancy
Birth
Part 2: A Jewish Name
Naming
A Son! Boys' Names
A Daughter! Girls’ Names
Part 3: Brit—Covenant
Covenants
Brit Milah—The Covenant of Circumcision
Questions and Answers
History
Traditional Interpretations
Planning a Bris
Liturgy and Ritual
Adoption, Conversion, and Rituals for Already Circumcised Sons
Caring for the Newly Circumcised Baby
Two Ceremonies for Brit Milah
Brit Bat—Welcoming Our Daughters
History
Planning a Brit Bat
Elements of a Brit Bat Ceremony
Four Ceremonies for Brit Bat
Hiddur Mitzvah—Beautiful Touches
Ideas and Readings for Your Celebration
Part 4: Simcha—Joy
Simcha Means "Party"
Announcements
Celebrations and Customs
Part 5: The Changing Jewish Family
Interfaith Families
Adoption
Part 6: The First Year
Weaning
Appendix 1: What Non-Jews Should Know about Brit Milah—the Covenant of Circumcision
Appendix 2: What Non-Jews Should Know about Brit Bat—the Covenant for a Daughter
Resources for New Parents
Notes
Glossary
Directory of Artists
Index