Brit Milah (Circumcision)
A Brit Milah, or circumcision, is traditionally held eight days after the birth of a baby boy, even if that falls on Shabbat. This ceremony is usually performed by a mohel, either at home or in the synagogue. Upon the birth of a baby boy, please contact The Initiation Society for assistance in finding a qualified mohel.
Baby Naming and Pidyon Haben
For Boys
Boys are typically named during the Brit Milah ceremony.
If your firstborn is a son, a Pidyon Haben ceremony may be necessary. According to the Torah (Bamidbar 3:13), every firstborn son initially “belongs” to God. In this rare but joyous ceremony, the father redeems the child by giving five special coins to a Cohen. The ceremony usually takes place on the 31st day after the birth, unless that day is Shabbat or Yom Tov, in which case it is held the next day.
For specific circumstances where a Pidyon Haben would not occur, please contact the Shul Office for guidance, by calling 020 8886 8225 or email office@cnss.co.uk.
For Girls
It is customary to name a baby girl in the synagogue during the Torah reading, when the father is called up. This can be done on Monday or Thursday mornings, or on Shabbat morning. Please inform the Shul office about the birth of your new baby, providing both the English and Hebrew names along with the date of birth. You will then be invited to participate in the next Shul Baby Blessing ceremony.
For further assistance and to notify the synagogue about your new arrival, please contact the Shul Office by calling 020 8886 8225 or email office@cnss.co.uk.
We look forward to celebrating these special moments with you!